Story By MARY BAILEY
The Pride of Douglas Eagle Band is counting down the days and pennies as they prepare for a once on a lifetime experience.
The Douglas Eagle Band was chosen to represent the state at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Hawaii this December.
“We will spend six days and five nights enjoying all Hawaii has to offer, and participate in three performances, including a parade, a mass performance with other attending groups, and a performance at Pearl Harbor,” said Jesse Tiner, Douglas Eagle Band Director.
“I think one of the big things for our students to realize is that they are worthy of these opportunities. We’ve seen lots of other schools in our area and throughout the state attend large trips like this, and our kids are deserving as well. No band director would ever take on a task like this if they didn’t believe in their parents and students. I love my students and parents, and they have worked so hard, and I want to give them this life changing experience. The historical significance, the cultural and musical experience- it’s all something we will never forget. In the end, we want to give students exposure to things that will affect them and change their lives for the better.”
Tiner said they are working hard to raise funds to attend the trip, and they have two big fundraisers coming up that they would like everyone in the community to be a part of.
“On Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31 we are having our Band Bazaar at the Boaz VFW. This is going to be two days of arts, crafts, food, live music and fun, including inflatables for the kids. We have over 35 vendors so far that have registered, including three amazing food trucks serving nachos and grilled cheeses, sandwiches, burritos, wings and more! There are so many other wonderful arts and crafts, bouncy houses, snacks and goodies, a fire truck, and so much more. Some of our live music includes The Ukesters (a ukulele band), and local talent Becca and Isaac Butler. They are such an inspiration to hear and see,” Tiner said of the two-day event. “Though we have so much already, we are still open for MORE! We welcome more vendors, musicians, and yard sales. And of course, we want lots of visitors to come out and support all of these vendors! Bring a chair and sit and enjoy the entertainment.”
Entry fee is $5 per carload, with those proceeds going towards the band.
A second big event for the band will be held June 28.
This will be a benefit concert and a bucket raffle also being held at the Boaz VFW.
“We have so many bands including Sand Mountain Jazz, Hidden Element (Tim Stewart from DHS), Until Skies Fall (Heavy Metal), Dezafio de Mexico (Latino), Forever Broken (rock), and Crooked Creek (Country from Cullman). Tickets for that will soon be available on Go Fan! Throughout that night we will be drawing for several different raffle items between bands,” Tiner said. “We need great items from local businesses! Please reach out if you would like to donate items. We want to use this to promote local businesses. We will have food on site that night also.”
A $20 ticket will include parking, admission, and three raffle tickets. Extra tickets are 5 for $5.
“It’s an expensive trip and we are asking for HELP! The cost is just under $3k per student and we want all students to be able to go. Our “dream BIG” goal is $275,000 to send every current student as well as our graduating seniors and incoming rookies. However, $165,000 will send all of our returning vets. That is currently our main focus. Even if we don’t reach that goal, we have guaranteed students and parents that no one will have to pay more than $1,500 to attend, meaning we have to raise at least $75,000 to keep it at a reasonable cost for families. We are nearing the $50,000 mark on general fundraising, but students are also hard at work with individual fundraising to put up their half of the deal,” he continued. “We are always working hard and have several ongoing fundraisers, including Tidal Wave car wash tickets for $10, Huddle House coupons/raffle $1 that will enter you into a chance to win 12 free HH meals, and yard signs for a $40 donation. On May 17 there is a benefit motorcycle ride, and we will have lots of Spirit Nights at local restaurants.”
Tiner said that businesses, organizations or individuals can also sponsor a student.
For more information on the upcoming fundraising event for the Douglas Eagle Band, you can reach Tiner by email at tiner.jesse@marshallk12.org or visit prideofdouglas.weebly.com.
