Fireworks over Seattle's Lake Union. (Flickr photo, TrevinC)

Providing a big boost to efforts to save Seattle's annual Fourth of July fireworks show, Microsoft and Starbucks this afternoon promised to provide $125,000 each in matching funds to a fundraising initiative that was sparked by this morning's news that there would be no show over Lake Union this year.

The pledges from the corporate giants capped a remarkable day in which old and new media joined forces to rally the community. It started this morning with an appearance by Seattle chef Tom Douglas on KIRO radio, leading host Dave Ross to challenge businesses to help fill the void. The word spread quickly through Twitter and Facebook.

It's a wonderful story. But come on, folks, all this fuss over a fireworks show? Hopefully the groundswell of public attention and corporate support will serve as a model for the Seattle region as we grapple with real crises -- such as our state's massive budget shortfall, the future of education, and our failing transportation infrastructure.

Here's the statement issued by Microsoft and Starbucks this afternoon.

"Starbucks and Microsoft are pleased to join Tom Douglas and other community leaders in supporting Seattle’s tradition of the 4th of July celebration at Lake Union. Together, Starbucks and Microsoft will match – $125,000 each, covering half the cost of the event — contributions raised through the effort Dave Ross kicked off on his show this morning.

"We encourage other businesses in the greater Seattle community, as they are able, to join us in this effort by contributing online at http://bit.ly/seafourth."