Central band gets boost from Kiwanis Club challenge

The Central High School band is in need of a new tune as some students must play instruments older than the students. But solely relying on the band's annual budget to replace all the old instruments could take up to forty years.

To speed up the process, the Cape Girardeau Kiwanis Club donated $5,000 to the Central High School Band Boosters in August. In addition, the Kiwanis Club promised to match the amount if the organization can raise another $5,000.

"The Kiwanis have been very, very gracious for donating," said Neil Casey, director of the band.

He added the boosters are close to reaching the Kiwanis' fund-raising goal.

The band boosters provide rental instruments to students annually for $25, making it possible for many to participate who otherwise would not be able to. With some instruments costing thousands of dollars, the fee cannot cover replacement costs, only help with maintenance. That's where the boosters come in.

"We try to finance the big-ticket items that will last for years and years," Casey said of the boosters. "We think we work hard with the equipment that we have."

Lynn Hillin, the organization's president, stressed the importance of supporting not just the band but student programs in general.

"Our children are our greatest resources. I think those of us that are blessed should share," Hillin said. "This is not about Cape Central High or the band boosters. This is about our children, our future."

The band boosters took the challenge to the public by sending out letters to businesses and community members.

"It's really a challenge for the band boosters to raise the money," Hillin said. "Because for a lot of kids, being in the band will be their best memory in high school."

Much of the money raised so far has come from the band boosters themselves.

"Band parents have frankly made most of the donations -- for the good of the band, not for their children specifically," Casey said.

cpierce@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127