A US-Bermuda July 4 celebration featuring a massive fireworks display and barbeque received a $100,000 boost yesterday.

The United States Consulate and The American Society have teamed up with Corporate Bermuda and local charities to not only celebrate Independence Day, but also give back to the community of Bermuda.

Yesterday Bermuda charities received a $100,000 cheque from corporate sponsors participating in the "Celebrating Freedom: Giving Back to Bermuda" celebration.

US Chief of Missions Gregory W. Slayton and Cindy Campbell, Project co-chair presented the cheque to Tina Stovell, American Society Charities Chairman and Pam Nolan, Executive Director, Centre on Philanthropy.

Corporate sponsors of the event include the ACE Foundation, Allied Word Assurance Company, Bacardi, XL Foundation, Arch Capital Group, American International Group, Butterfield Bank, Montpelier Re and Renaissance Reinsurance.

A handful of supporters, the press, sponsors and dignitaries attended a press conference in the boardroom of Charities House yesterday afternoon to discuss the celebration which will be held on July 1 from 5-10 p.m. at Moresby Plain near Dockyard.

In attendance were: Minister of Tourism and Transport Ewart Brown; Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert; executive director, the ACE Foundation, Ralph Richardson; senior vice president, Allied World Assurance Company, Rick Mello; Bermuda managing director of Bacardi, Gaston Tano; and manager of XL Foundation Sonia Whayman.

The partners of the event include the American Society of Bermuda, over 50 corporate sponsors, over 50 of Bermuda's best charities and the US Consulate.

Charities benefiting from the corporate sponsorship include PALS, AGAPE House, Women's Resource Centre, Project Change Bermuda, Flyers' Track Club, Young Life and Riding for the Disabled.

The event promises to be fun for the entire family. There will be various field activities, games, eight live band performances including the Bermuda Regiment Band, what is believed to be the largest outdoor barbecue Bermuda has ever hosted and a spectacular fireworks display that organisers claim will be the largest in Bermuda history.

Admission to the celebration is by an official wristband obtained free through membership to the American Society.

Family and guest memberships are $50, individual memberships is $25 and student membership is $15. To renew or establish membership, go to www.americansociety.bm or pick up an application form at the Visitors' Service Bureau. The cut-off date for membership and tickets is June 15 or until tickets are sold out.

Public transport to and from the event is free with official wristband courtesy of Dr. Brown. Fast ferries and express buses will depart from St. George's, Hamilton and Rockaway with return trips from Dockyard.

Parking will be available for those who wish to drive with trains and mini buses to transport passengers to and from Moresby Plain.

Dr. Brown said his ministry was pleased to be a part of the celebration and to provide services.

Mr. Furbert sang a line of "America The Beautiful" after revealing he would sing at the celebration.

The celebration will take place rain or shine.