Band drums up funds for D.C. trip

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Dec 17, 2004 by Sharon Haddock Deseret Morning News

AMERICAN FORK -- Supporters of the American Fork marching band are successfully drumming up donations to help pay for a trip to Washington, D.C., to perform at President Bush's Jan. 20 inaugural parade.

"There's a lot of energy brewing in the community. I think the feeling is it is a state effort. The band will represent our community on a global stage," said Martin Lewis, chairman of the band's fund-raising effort. "We've been impressed with the outpouring of support."

The 200-member band, along with teachers, chaperones and support workers, will need to pay its own way to march in the 1.7-mile winter parade and spend a week visiting historical sites.

Band director John Miller said he estimates each student and chaperone will need to come up with a minimum of $700 for expenses. So, even though the band had expected the invitation, students and their families still face a challenge.

In all, the band needs to raise some $157,000.

"I personally don't think I've ever tackled raising over $100,000 in just a few weeks," Lewis said.

The invitation came last week and already Central Bank, the Mountain America Credit Union, O.C. Tanner and Kenley Ford in Layton have all pledged to help.

The Doug Smith Autoplex in American Fork also donated a new Suzuki Forenza to auction for the cause.

And on Wednesday, The Bank of American Fork offered to match individual contributions up to $20,000.

"That's a terrific contribution," Lewis said. "That could be $40,000 right there."

Bank officials say they will put posters out advertising their offer.

Rick Beard, president of the Bank of American Fork, said, "The American Fork High School band has been chosen to participate in an historical event because of their exceptional talent and hard work. To think that they would have to miss out on such an opportunity is unfortunate and we couldn't let that happen."

Donations can be made through Jan. 6 at branches in American Fork, Draper, Lehi, Highland, Murray, Orem, Pleasant Grove, Sandy and Spanish Fork. All donations should be made out to the Alpine Foundation in the band's name. Donations are tax-deductible.

E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com