A large number of Turlockers and area residents displayed their steadfast support for Pitman High School's Marching Band at a recent e-waste fundraiser.
Pitman Band Boosters teamed up with Cal-Green Recycling of Turlock to raise thousands of dollars for Pitman's dream trip to Washington D.C. The Marching Pride has been invited to represent California at this year's Independence Parade along the National Mall in our nation's capital.
Turlock Mayor John Lazar and Governor Jerry Brown nominated the Marching Pride.
The e-waste fundraiser is just one of many efforts by the Pitman High Band Booster to raise money for the effort.
In order to send the students to the trip Pitman Band Boosters hope to raise $106,000 by the end of the school year. Currently the boosters have raised more than $55,000, about 52 percent of their goal.
"The response from the community was beyond overwhelming, with a steady stream of cars lining up through Pitman High's parking lot to drop off old and broken electronics," said Booster Lori Denego. "Items such as televisions, computer towers, monitors, appliances and ink cartridges were donated. Due to the success of this event the Marching Pride is hoping to partner with Cal-Green again to repeat this fabulous fundraiser next year."
"A big thank you goes out to the Cal-Green Recycling, local media, newspapers and all the parents and students that helped with advertising as well as loading and handling of the donations," said Booster Jennifer Carter. "The most important thank you goes to the community for their overwhelming response in support of the band. We truly appreciate your generosity demonstrated as many residents came together to show their support for the students."
Fundraising efforts will continue in full force as the band's goal is to raise about $900 per student. This amount is in addition to what the families of band members are obligated to pay in order to make the trip to Washington D.C. possible.
The fundraising efforts will continue with a Jazz Dinner at the Larsa Banquet Hall at 7 p.m. Friday. The Pitman Jazz band will be performing American Style Jazz throughout the evening. Tickets are $25 and are available online at www.pitmanhighbands.com.