 "Photo: Megan Krol")
Members of the Downingtown High School Blue and Gold Marching Band stood in perfect formation, polished instruments in hand, as the governor of Delaware and a former Harlem Globetrotter kicked off a basketball game held to raise money to help send the band to the Tournament of Roses Parade at the Rose Bowl.
The bleachers in the Bob Carpenter Center filled with supporters on Sunday to help raise funds for the 300-student band, which was chosen from among 12 other high schools in the nation to perform in the parade in Pasadena, Calif.
The Tri-State Tornados, consisting of 34 community members of various professions, was organized specifically for the event as the "VIP team." The team featured local "celebrities" like Gov. Jack Markell, state Sen. Karen Peterson of Delaware and state Sen. Andy Dinniman of Pennsylvania. The team's opponent was an all-star team consisting of a former Globetrotter and other basketball legends.
Markell said he was approached by his colleagues about joining the fundraising effort.
"I came out because it's a good cause and I think it's important to strike a partnership with individuals in the community," Markell said.
Former Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon entertained the audience with basketball tricks, half-court shots, slam dunks and occasional jokes.
Event co-chair Steve Wisniewski said this fundraiser is crucial in order to lower the cost of transportation to the parade. He predicts approximately 24 band players will not be able to join the other members at the Rose Parade due to insufficient funds.
He said the total cost for the trip, which includes transporting students, chaperones and equipment, will be approximately $500,000.
"I know we won't be able to support the band in full," Wisniewski said. "Knocking the price below a $1,000 dollars will help get as many kids to come as possible."
He said so far their fundraising efforts have raised enough to pay for traveling expenses for 60 band members.
Montay Manson, sales consultant for 21st Century Insurance, an affiliated sponsor of the Tournament of Roses Parade, said he jumped at the chance to participate in this event.
"There was no way I was going to turn this opportunity to play against legendary Globetrotters," Manson said.
Tina Nicholson, assistant basketball coach for the girls' team at Downingtown East High School, said she attended the game because she wants to help the marching band fulfill a lifetime opportunity.
"The kids will always remember that moment they played in the parade," Nicholson said. "It's important for them to experience moments like that."
Wisniewski's daughter, marching band member Emily Wisniewski, said she and her fellow band members are practicing harder than ever in preparation for the parade.
"We have inspirational speeches before every practice by our band leaders," Emily said. "It gives that extra push to do well."
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