Young girl raises more than $1,500 for Winslow 4th of July fireworks show

Published July 4, 2021 8:11 AM MST

One of the largest fireworks displays in northern Arizona is set to take place this Independence Day in Winslow.

The show is community-driven, so donations make it all happen - and this year, the littlest fundraiser made a very big difference.

"So I’ve been wanting to do a lemonade stand since last year, but since the virus I wasn’t able to, so I did it this year and I decided … to raise money for the fireworks," said 7-year-old Memphis Scofield.

So the young girl got right to work and set up her lemonade stand, selling the refreshing drink for a dollar.

"So we went to Walmart, got the supplies," said father TJ Scofield. "We have a friend who owns a business downtown. She invited her to put her lemonade stand on the sidewalk there so it would be busier, and she threw out a tip jar.

"She said she wanted to donate her tips to the fireworks fund after she was done, and raised…$60 in tips," the girl's father said.

The business owner matched the tips Memphis collected and then came up with the idea to put out a challenge on Facebook.

"I have $60 in tips to donate to the Winslow Fireworks Fund," Memphis said in a video addressed to the Winslow community. "I challenge businesses owners in Winslow to match my donation. If you except my challenge, I will stop by to collect, thank you."

The response was overwhelming.

"I raised about $1,700," the 7-year-old girl said.

Her father says Memphis was excited and happy turning the money into the city's chamber of commerce.

Now the fireworks show isn't just a community event. It's a family affair.

"Super proud of her," said TJ Scofield. "She likes to help out, always been a helpful person."

The fireworks show will be held on July 4 at 8 p.m. To make a contribution to the fireworks fund, contact Bob Hall at the Winslow Chamber of Commerce at 928-289-2434.

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