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Nearly $50,000 raised so far; more fundraisers to go
Published 11:08am Thursday, January 10, 2013As the Jan. 21 date nears for the Fergus Falls Marching Band’s parade past the president, approximately $48,000 has been raised, with several fundraisers still planned this week to help the band reach its $60,000 goal.
The total does not include money from Wednesday’s Papa Murphy’s fundraiser — which overflowed the business’s parking lot and appeared like a traffic jam to passersby on Lincoln Avenue. About 640 pizzas were sold, with a portion of each pizza sale donated to the band.
According to reports, the parking lot overflowed onto Lincoln Aveune as people waited for their pizzas. A packed lobby and a long drive-through lane added to the congestion.
Additional fundraisers are planned this weekend.
On Saturday, from 8 to 10 a.m., the Applebee’s in Fergus Falls will be sponsoring a pancake breakfast for the marching band. The suggested donation will be $5.
Also on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Taco John’s in Fergus Falls will donate 25 percent of every purchase during that time to the band.
Band director Scott Kummrow said since the announcement was made in December, the momentum for fundraising has been strong. “The last couple weeks, it’s been full throttle,” he said.
Kummrow added that if the band exceeds the $60,000 goal — about $450 per student — the additional funds will be used to pay for band members’ meals and other incidentals. “We have plenty of other costs,” he said.
On Tuesday the Fergus Falls High School Marching will be performing during the half-time of the girls’ basketball game against Brainerd. The band will be giving a performance of their selections for the 2013 presidential inaugural parade as a thank you for the support the community has given them.
Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students.
The band will leave by bus at 3 p.m. Thursday, from Kennedy Secondary School.
