$3,735
raised
Goal: $15,000

Help spread the word

About this fundraiser:

The entire nation has witnessed how the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio has caused severe hardships for the town, its businesses, families and students. The impact has been both physical and emotional. The students are resilient but this unexpected tragedy has been like experiencing the Covid pandemic all over again.

The band director at the East Palestine High School is Jennifer Mollenkopf who was selected to be a member of the national Band Directors Marching Band. To all of us at the BDMB, Jen is family. She wears many hats in addition to band director at her school including drama coach, musical director and much more. She loves her job and her kids. She indicates that the community has always been there for the band to help with fundraisers and support, but with the entire town reeling from effects of the derailment, it would be unrealistic to expect the town to provide the strong support they always have. And the school district has financial challenges as well in supporting all their many needs. In addition, many students need help to be in the band. Funds collected will be given to the parent booster organization.

From Jennifer: "325 days til band camp!" This was written on the board on the first day of school at EP. Going away to band camp makes us who we are! "I've never even been outside of Ohio." An unforgettable statement by a young member made me realize trips to Orlando and even band camp are truly experiences of a lifetime. Bulldog Band trips outside of the regular school events are funded by our membership and the parent organization, drawing from our small village. Many of our members have siblings in the band, which means costs only go up. Directors and staff have debated, "are we going to be able to afford it this year?" That was before the train derailment. This campaign will help fund scholarships for our Bulldog Band members' travel to band camp and potentially to Disney, and will greatly reduce the immediate financial stress so many of our families are feeling at this time. It will also help families with more than one band student."

The Band Directors Marching Band stands with these students who are Bulldog Strong. Help us get the band back on its feet — not only financially but also emotionally. Band is a refuge and safe place where kids find purpose, family, and happiness. Let's all stand with them! Any donation is truly appreciated.

About the Band Directors Marching Band

The Band Directors Marching Band is part of the nationwide Saluting America’s Band Directors organization, a non-profit project of the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation, based in Pickerington Ohio. This special marching band is composed of band directors from all over the US and Mexico. They have performed in the 2022 Rose Parade and will march in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. www.banddirectorsalute.org

Your donations will help pay for:

  • Scholarships for students expenses for band camp
  • Assistance for families with more than one band student
  • Scholarships for future band trips (potentially Disney)
  • Assistance for students with financial challenges
  • Assistance for new member costs (shoes, shirts, etc)

Sponsored by:

Top Donations

$500
Anonymous

Donation from Belpre Performing Arts Boosters in Belpre, Ohio.

$250
Marc & Tracie Parulekar

Go Band!!

$250
Anonymous

We wish you all the best. Gods Blessings!

$250
James Kuebler

Jen M you are the best! Jim and Margie

$250
Anonymous