Manning band raising funds to play at inauguration

MANNING — The Manning High School band will be marching in the presidential inauguration parade Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C.

But to get there, they have to raise a significant amount of money.

The Golden Pride Marching Band was one of more than 1,000 organizations to submit an application to march in the parade, but will be the only organization from South Carolina to participate.

The band played for President-elect Barack Obama three times previously during his presidential campaign.

Already, they have raised more than $25,000 to pay for hotel rooms and transportation to the event, but still need to raise about $15,000.

It will cost more than $40,000 for all 85 members of the band to go to the event.

Several organizations have offered donations to the band, and one statewide political Web site and column has even launched a Web site to try to help the group.

SC Statehouse Report developed a Web page that allows anyone to donate to the group in any amount.

“For a group of small town students to be able to have the opportunity to perform in what will be a historic event in Washington is something that you just can’t have them not do,” said Andy Brack of the SC Statehouse Report.

Ray Francis, the band’s director, said the students are anxiously awaiting the event and relying on the community’s support to make the dream a reality. He said many of the students aren’t able to come up with the funding to make the trip.

“To do something like this in the inaugural parade and to be in the history books, it’s just unbelievable,” Ray Francis said. “I have a hard time going to sleep at night.”

Help from organizations like SC Statehouse Report will enable the band members to make lasting memories, Francis said.

“Most of us ... we won’t be able to go back to Washington, so this is a blessing to be able to go,” band member Santanna Pringle said.

Francis said he anticipates the band will be able to make it to the inauguration, and they may even be able to purchase new instruments if there is any money left over.

He and the band members said they are very grateful for the community’s compassion and outpouring of support, and said they plan to represent the state of South Carolina well on the national stage.

To donate toward their trip, visit http://www.statehousereport.com/manning.htm online.