Well, we made it, we managed to get through the last day of school and we have a whole two months off for summer (wait, didn’t that used to be three? Oh well, that’s another topic for another day …). So, we have a couple of months to relax, right? Um, no, not really. The kids have time off, and hopefully our hard working Band Director (Mr. Godfrey) and hard working Band Teacher (Mrs. Resor) have some time off, but as Band Boosters we are revving up for our next fundraiser, our biggest fundraiser (okay, so it’s EVERYONE’S biggest fundraiser too) – Fireworks! Yup, beginning in less than 2 weeks we will be selling thousands and thousands of dollars worth of fireworks. For an entire week. Yup, just us and 24 other service clubs and organizations in town will be out there trying to raise money – lots and lots of money – to fund our various endeavors (wouldn’t it be great if we just pooled all the money and divided it equally among all of the groups – you know, work together as a community to raise money? – again, a topic for anther day). Anyway, after fireworks, hopefully there will be some rest to be taken (for all of us). However, for a Band Booster (and I’m sure many other groups), we just step forward onto our next fundraising activity. We can choose from several – but the known ones are Pierpont Jam (and maybe salsa this year!) and Krispy Kreme donuts – yes, we shall be back with our Krispy Kremes at the football games this year!

Just to take step back, let me just refresh your memory with regards to what a Band Booster’s role is. We, as a group of parents, community members and our hard working Band Director, support ALL of the band programs in Fillmore Unified School District (programs at four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school). Yes, the District does give some money, but let’s face it, money is tight so you can imagine how far that goes. Band Boosters pay for new instruments, instrument repair, instrument accessories, uniforms, uniform cleaning, shoes, hats, plumes, band competition related expenses (fees, transportation, music), student scholarships for drum major camp, coaches to help with colorguard and marching band instruction (and I’m sure there’s more but yikes, isn’t that enough?!). The way we fundraise is, as I said before, through selling fireworks. However, we also sell chocolate, beef jerky, jam, Krispy Kreme donuts (lots and lots of Krispy Kreme donuts!), and our newest venture is through Kona Ice of Ventura – they give us a percentage and we don’t have to do a thing! Awesome shaved ice, and awesome company to work with!

Now is the part where we ask for your support … yup, you knew it was coming! To get our year started, our wish list is very simple … we need 5 sousaphones. Yes, I said 5 – we have more sousaphone players coming up to the high school than we’ve had before and not enough instruments. We also need garment bags and duffels to hold our uniforms, shoes, and hats (we hope they will last a very very long time!). Now to get down to brass tax … you know, the cost of this stuff!

*Sousaphones are not inexpensive items – EACH one costs $4,393 (including s/h and tax)! Yup, we need 5!
* Garment and Duffel bags are less expensive - the total cost to have enough for all of the students would be $1,586.68.

So, if you are able to help in any way, or know of someone (or maybe a large organization) that is just looking for somewhere to donate their money, well, we’re that somewhere! Remember, we are 501c3 organization so all donations are tax deductible. And, all donations to the Band Boosters go directly to support our Band. We have an awesome group of dedicated musicians who definitely deserve our support! Please contact Lisa Hammond (Treasurer) at hismile64@gmail.com or 831 801 2276. Thanks so much, and remember to support us when you see us at the football games this fall selling our Krispy Kreme donuts!