December 23, 2024
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PHS band fundraiser marching in the right direction for new uniforms

Music Boosters expect to replace decades-old uniforms soon due to generosity of the public

By Kim Shute
A sketch of the new PHS Band uniforms, which will be presented to band members for the 2022-23 school year was shared by Princeton Music Boosters, who since the fall, have raised $33,000 or the $35,000 needed to replace the 20 year old uniforms.

A sketch of the new PHS Band uniforms, which will be presented to band members for the 2022-23 school year was shared by Princeton Music Boosters, who since the fall, have raised $33,000 or the $35,000 needed to replace the 20 year old uniforms. (sumbitted photo)

Princeton Music Boosters will soon be able to replace outdated band uniforms that were last replaced in 2002.

The Boosters have been fundraising the $35,000 needed to replace 75 uniforms and are just a couple thousand away from their goal, according to Boosters Linnea Campbell and Ben Atkinson.

“So far, since September, we have raised $33,000,” Campbell said. “We did a soft fundraising start with a window display at Rachel Rene’s Bath and Body during Homestead 2021. We followed that with a larger fundraising campaign in October. The response from businesses, organizations, parents, grandparents, alumni, memorials, the Class of 2024, music lovers and just folks in general has been overwhelming and very humbling. Everyone has been so supportive and they are so excited to help.”

Campbell also mentioned that the local organization, the Princeton Closet, has been a large contributor to the fundraising efforts in 2020 and 2021, receiving community grants totalling $10,000.

“We are grateful for these funds and the generosity of The Closet, the people who donate items, and their patrons,” Campbell said. “We would not have been able to raise the funds so quickly without these grants from The Closet.”

Campbell said uniforms were ordered on Feb. 15 after representatives from the uniform company took measurements for all the current band students. They will use those measurements to start the process of figuring out what sizes will be needed in future years.

A down payment of over half of the cost has been given to the company. The total balance is due by the Fall when the uniforms will be delivered. The new uniforms are expected to be worn for the Fall 2022 Football Season.

The Princeton High School Music Boosters formed in April of 2015 as a way of supporting the efforts of the local students.

Since that time, they have held fundraisers for the specific purpose of giving back to the PHS Music Department and assisted the band and choir directors with securing items that are beyond their annual budget, according to Campbell.

“Since 2015, we have given back to the PHS band and choir programs over $85,000,” she said. “Beginning in 2016, the Music Boosters have managed the concession stands during the Fall sports including football, volleyball and boys’ soccer).”

“Part of the proceeds from Fall concessions is kept by the Music Boosters and the rest is given to the PHS fall sport programs. Since 2016, we have given back over $35,000 to the various Fall sports programs. We appreciate all the parents of sports participants who sign up to work the concessions. We couldn’t do the Fall concessions without them.”

Campbell and Atkinson said any funds received over the amount needed will go towards the next big purchase, as there are several.

The Music Boosters current fundraiser is a quilt raffle which will be drawn on May 4. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Linnea Campbell at (815) 875-1635. A Culver’s Night is being planned, they will run concessions for the music organizational contest in April and there will be another raffle for a very special surprise item in the fall.

Membership in the PHS Music Boosters is open to anyone as they usually meet once a month for about an hour. For more information contact the boosters.