Breakfast Fundraiser Raises Money for Band

The Upper Southampton hosted a for the the William Tennent Marching Band Saturday morning.

The procedes from this morning's $7.00 per-person breakfast, that featured all you can eat pancakes, sausage, coffee/tea/juice, will go toward future band trips, a year-end banquet and the purchase of special equipment, said organizers.

One of the special piece of equipment that the 45 member band is looking to purchase is a golf cart to help quickly haul bulky band equipment on-and-off the field during football games -- a task which parents currently do by hand.

Diane McKain, president of the band, and Angela Gartland, vice president, both said they were thrilled to see the 100 or so community members come out to support the marching band.

Gartland said it's important to support the band because music brings everyone together.

The marching band's fundraising goal was $500-$600. Treasurer Chris McKain said he predicted they would reach that goal once all the cash was counted.

Rich and Terri Lewandowski, who came to support their nephew, said, today's breakfast had a higher turnout than past ones.  

Band members shuffled around as they served breakfast food and coffee to the early morning Applebee's patrons.

"This is the best service I've ever had at a restaurant," said Gerlinde Newton, whose daughter, Melissa, is in the band's color guard. 

"Our marching band is very accomplished," said school board member Mark Miller," and events like this generate excitement in the community."

The band is planning several other fundraisers this year, including a Thanksgiving pie sale.