E.G.H.S. Band raises funds for Sugar Bowl trip

Bright pink flamingos flocking around a front yard in the Elk Grove High School attendance area was a common sight to see throughout the past summer. Although it may have appeared to be a practical joke, the flamingos were significant in helping raise funds for the Elk Grove High School band.

Dubbed “Flock-a-Friend,” a patron would pay money to have another’s yard “flocked” with flamingos. “Flock-a-Friend” was only one of several creative ways the band is raising money to go to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, this winter.

There has also been a mattress sale, a coupon sale, a cookie sale at home football games, and there will be a bake sale at the annual craft show, where donations will also be gratefully accepted.

An event as big as Sugar Bowl obviously takes a lot of funding. Every participant is asked to earn from $800-$900 to make the trip. The more successful the fundraising effort, the lower the cost for the student.

About 50 different high schools from across the country were invited to attend. Elk Grove High School band, under the direction of Ron Fiorito, was the only Illinois high school selected to participate this year. The band will be making the 15-hour trip to Louisiana in coach buses on Dec. 29. Selected schools will perform together during the halftime show of the Sugar Bowl and participating bands are also welcome to enter a competition there.

The Sugar Bowl will be an exciting new experience for the band. They will meet many different musicians from across the country, while representing the talent of the Elk Grove music department.

“I’m personally very excited to meet other performers from across the country (at the Sugar Bowl) who play the same instrument as I do,” said senior Allison Nowak.

For details, contact: Ron Fiorito, ron.fiorito@d214.org or (847) 718-4498.

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