Two Winston-Salem credit unions, the $221 million Piedmont Advantage and the $65 million Winston-Salem FCU, are teaming up to provide a reprieve to the city's major July 4th fireworks show which had been cancelled due to budget constraints and lack of a sponsor.

The two North Carolina credit unions agreed to each put up $5,000 to help defray the costs for the holiday celebration at Tanglewood Park. Also joining in as a $5,000 sponsor is the Winston-Salem Journal.

Officials of the two credit unions said they reached out to help after hearing about the pending cancellation in May.

“The fireworks show is a family-type tradition that goes back 20 years and our credit union and Piedmont Advantage have collaborated in lots of areas and so we thought this would be ideal for us to step in,” said Tony Ebron, president/CEO of Winston-Salem FCU.

In a typical year some 8,000 flock to the park for an early evening, picnic, concert and fireworks display.

“Piedmont Advantage is committed to the Winston-Salem community and this is one way we can give back,” said President/CEO Judy Tharp. “It's our pleasure to combine forces with Winston-Salem FCU and the Journal to make sure the show goes on”

Both credit unions stressed they would not be turning the event into a marketing promotion but as sponsors were given the opportunity by the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department to distribute goody bags containing flags, Frisbees, sunscreen, sanitizers and credit union literature. Both credit unions have also offered to provide volunteers.

In advertising the resumption of the fireworks show, Piedmont Advantage said it intends to share its billboard with Winston Salem FCU in listing sponsor names.

“We are two credit unions that have partnered in lots of ways from the CEOs on down and that has included shared branching, in which we have one of their loan officers in our facility,” said Belinda Wilson, vice president of development. Piedmont also handles teller transactions for Winston-Salem FCU at its branches.

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