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Band Seeks Second Inaugural Gig

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By COURTNEY CAIRNS PASTOR

cpastor@tampatrib.com

Published: October 8, 2008

NORTHDALE - As Gaither High School celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the band is hoping to play a part in history for a second time.

The 160-member band is applying to represent Florida in the presidential inaugural parade in Washington, D.C., in January. The band marched four years ago, when President Bush was inaugurated for his second term.

The last time, band members found out in December they were selected and had a little more than a month to raise about $90,000 to cover their expenses. This year, the band boosters are starting early with several fundraisers.

"It's such a short time from when you find out you were accepted to raise the money," said Laura Lambert, band booster president.

The shaky economy has cut into corporate sponsorships, and some parents are having trouble paying band fees.

"If we do a trip, we don't want to leave anybody behind," Lambert said.

Fundraisers also help cover private lessons, instruments, music and supplies. Gaither is planning a silent auction and getting help from businesses that donate a portion of proceeds to the band.

To qualify for the inaugural parade, the band must submit a DVD and an application outlining its accomplishments. In 2004, students wrote letters to Republican contacts, and Lambert got support from Gov. Jeb Bush to bolster their cause. They will wait this year until after the election to find out if they need Republican or Democratic support.

The students also performed in the 2007 parade in Tallahassee when Gov. Charlie Crist took office.

SEEKING SUPPORT

Gaither's marching band is raising money through several methods to offset band expenses and a possible trip to the presidential inaugural parade. The band also is inviting its alumni, band members and Starettes to Alumni Night on Friday at Gaither, 16200 N. Dale Mabry Highway. Contact Laura Lambert at laurabell_l@yahoo.com for information.

Upcoming and ongoing fundraisers include:

• Silent auction and concert. The auction starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the high school, and a free fall concert will follow. Auction chairman John Lugo is collecting items. Contact Lugo at (813) 885-6848.

• The Chick-fil-A at 15801 N. Dale Mabry Highway will donate a portion of sales to the band from 4 to 10 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.

• Nutrition S'Mart at 14847 N. Dale Mabry Highway donates 10 percent of purchases made in the name of a school on the fourth Saturday and Sunday of each month.

•SunTrust Bank will give $100 to any charity for every checking account opened before Dec. 31.

Reporter Courtney Cairns Pastor can be reached at (813) 865-1503.

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