The Onset-Wareham fireworks display attracted thousands people to Onset last month, and the committee charged with raising funds for the event recently thanked chef and owner of the Mezza Luna restaurant, E.J. Cubellis, for hosting the group's annual auction fundraiser.

"This is the third year he's done the auction," said committee member Mary Lou Payton. "It just gets better every year."

According to Payton, the event pulled in more money than any other held by the committee. She said Cubellis offered to host the event when she ran into him at another event held at his restaurant.

"The first year we had so much fun, it was like, 'Why don't we do this every year?'" said Cubellis.

Due to the fact that he's a chef — and working chef's hours — it's tough for him to get away from the kitchen to see the display, but Cubellis says he'll catch it eventually... "if I can get out of here on a Saturday."