Fund-raising for band's inauguration trip cracks $41,000

A week's vacation topped the list of auction items donated for the Douglas High School Fighting Tiger Band's upcoming silent auction to raise money for a trip to play at President Bush's inauguration.

Donated by Richard Bohannon of Fairfield Resorts, the trip is one of many items which will be available for viewing 7 p.m. Monday at the high school on Highway 88 in Minden. Music begins at 7:30 p.m.

In addition, Casino Fandango in Carson City has announced benefit concerts at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday by the Mile High Jazz Band.

So far, Douglas High band members have raised $41,526 to go to the inauguration on Jan. 20, according to band director Bill Zabelsky.

Zabelsky said $8,821 came in Monday and Tuesday from students' adopt-a-band member program and donations.

The deadline for raising $100,000 to send the band to Washington D.C. is Jan. 15. and the band is still collecting donations.

In addition to cash donations, the band has received several donations for its Monday silent auction, ranging from the vacation to pizzas, sub sandwiches and gift certificates.

According to silent-auction organizer Davelyn Miyashiro, donations are still rolling in.

Band donations and money from parents need to be turned in by Friday, according to the Web site.

Zabelsky learned the band was invited to play along the parade route for a third Bush inauguration just before Christmas break.

Band members raised $6,000 by playing in front of Scolari's, Raley's and Wal-Mart before Christmas. By far, the largest single donor has been GE Energy in Minden, which has pledged $10,000 for the trip. Douglas County commissioners are scheduled to discuss a grant on Thursday. The last time the band went for the inauguration, commissioners provided $10,000.

In addition to the money raised by the band, parents and chaperones are expected to come up with $500 for each of the 87 band members and 14 chaperones set to go.

The inauguration is Jan. 20 and Zabelsky plans on arriving in Washington on Jan. 17 and leaving on Jan. 22.

He said band members and chaperones will take a direct red-eye flight to Washington. Most of the band's instruments will be checked with the baggage, saving some money on shipping.

"Presto Travel Agency has been outstanding to work with, and they donated $500," Zabelsky said.

Students are painting a thermometer on the side of the band wall.

"Hopefully, we'll raise enough money that the thermometer will burst," he said.

you can help

What: Help send the Fighting Tigers to Washington, D.C., to take part in the Inaugural Parade.

Sunday:

• Mile High Jazz Band will perform two shows at 7 and 9 p.m. in the Cabaret Lounge of Casino Fandango in Carson City

• Casino Fandango will donate $2 of winning wagers on specified table games from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

• Casino Fandango employees are also being asked to donate.

• The Mile High Jazz Band is donating its appearance fee to the marching band.

Monday: Silent auction at Douglas High starting at 7 p.m.

By Jan. 15: Send donations to Douglas High School, P.O. Box 1888, Minden, NV, 89423.

For information: Call 782-5136, ext. 1102; or go to www.douglasmusic.net.

Among the donors and prizes are:

n Richard Bohannon of Fairfield Resorts - two-bedroom accomodations' vacation anywhere in the world, as listed in the Resort Condominiums International Directory for eight days and seven nights.

n Round Table - Two dinners for four (large pizzas, drinks, and salads)

n Grand Central Pizza and Pasta - Two large pizzas and round-trips to the salad bar

n Paradise Tan & Gym - One-month free membership

n Subway of Gardnerville - Twenty 6-inch subs

n Eastern Sierra Feed - $10 gift certificate

n Lone Tree Frame & Gallery

n Brick House Antiques

n Special Interest Arms

n The Ullman family - solid-oak dining set, gas range

n Carz n Trux

n Cooks' Pantry

n Nevada Backyard

n La Dolce Vita