John Casey of Casey’s Fun Fundraising brought the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) volunteers an unusual business case when he came to them for assistance. His business expertise is fireworks, a product many people think of only at New Year’s and July 4th. Sales only twice a year were too limiting for success.

What Casey wanted was to expand the public’s perception of fireworks. One of the strongest assets to his existing business was his affiliation with the SC Law Enforcement Officers Association (SCLEOA).

“The law enforcement officers association had been working with me, using fireworks as a fundraiser,” said Casey. “We felt the market in the area was capable of producing more. Although fireworks is somewhat seasonal, fundraising works throughout the year.”

Casey said recently the fireworks industry has experienced a 655% increase in the US alone compared to a decreased liability of 88%. Last July 4, American’s bought $77 million in fireworks.

With the help of SCORE volunteers, Casey developed a solid business plan, new marketing approaches, and tools for financial analysis. As Casey was taken through the steps to success, he realized more than ever that solid business practices work regardless of the type of business they are applied to.

Casey worked with John Jackson who was a successful marketer during his career at Jackson Camera. John LaFond helped with financial details from spreadsheets to financial equations, and Tom Thomasini was the project’s overall coordinator.

Farther into the case study, Tom Anderson became involved in overall planning, including helping Casey prepare for an on–air interview with SC Business Review.

Now the fun, fundraising tool involves the sale of gift cards in increments of five, ten, and $15. When the public buys the gift cards, they are helping the law enforcement association. In turn the association is able to help its members or their survivors, especially in the case of catastrophic loss.

Individuals may purchase the gift cards throughout the year, then redeem them when there’s something to celebrate.

Casey has two locations where cardholders can make their own fireworks selections, one at 7339 Broad River Road, near the SCLEOA headquarters, and another at 2501 Augusta Road.

Casey said the unusual concept is catching on for a number of reasons including changes in the nation’s and region’s economic picture. “Corporations and foundations are not giving to non–profits in the ways they have in the past. The advent of donor rights, and support for truth in donating are influencing the work of foundations and associations. Organizations are having to find their own sources of fundraising. The gift card saves time because there is only one point of delivery.”

“Aggressive national safety campaigns, coupled with the design of fireworks for backyard use now make it possible for families to repeat the large fireworks displays they see at major events,” Casey explained.

The gift card and attached flier include safety information, maps with locations, and details of the fundraiser.

Casey has worked with SCORE over several years to develop his business.