Band boosters, parents, students, and the local community came together on March 4 at Celebrations in Pell City to win big for a good cause. This was the 2nd Annual Pell City Schools Band Booster Drawdown event, where participants could get tickets for $100 donation and be eligible to win $10,000. Tickets also included dinner for two, catered by Good ‘Ole Boys BBQ and consisting of BBQ ribs, chicken, baked beans, potato salad, drinks and dessert.

Proceeds from the event help to fund the Pell City High School Marching Band of Gold as well as band programs beginning in the sixth grade through high school. Last year was the first year for the Pell City Schools Band Booster Drawdown fundraiser. Bar Kirby, an active band booster and parent, had the idea a few years ago. At its initial event in 2016, the booster’s net was $17,000 raised for the Pell City schools band programs. Michael Glidewell, band booster president, hoped to exceed that amount this year.

A total of $18,100 was raised this year through ticket sales, silent auction, and other donations. Silent auction items were generously donated by several local businesses. The band boosters have helped fund the Pell City Schools bands in the amount of $100,000 over the past 14 months, through various fundraising efforts, events, and concession sales.

All 300 tickets to the event were sold, with recognition for the top selling band booster parents, Jessica Pyron, Wendy Davis, Missy Foshee, and Michael Glidewell. The band boosters have already helped to purchase uniforms for 150 marching band students this year. Funds from the drawdown event will be used to help purchase new instruments for the growing band program, additional needed equipment, and transportation for the marching band.

“A heart felt ‘thank you’ to everyone that helped make the drawdown a huge success. We could not have done it without the overwhelming support we received from the community, local businesses, and our band parents,” band booster vice president Lee Stanley stated. “Everyone we talked to was very willing to help in anyway they could. It’s great to know that the Pell City community still has the old-fashioned value of coming together as a community to support these band kids and further their talent and love for music.”

Balls numbered 1-300 were placed into a tumbler. If someone’s ticket matched the number drawn, they were out. The last number remaining would be the winner. The room stilled with silent anticipation with each numbered ball that was drawn. The numbers were announced by Jonna Mitchell Roberson, a band parent and local teacher who has taught elementary school in Pell City for 27 years. She kept the crowd entertained with her natural sense of humor. Additional entertainment was provided by Sid Brown, director of Pell City Bands, and friends playing a medley of music.

Pell City High School band students volunteered, removing number cards from a cork board when they were called. Numbers were also shown on a screen, each number blacked-out as they were eliminated. Sounds of disappointment and relief could be heard with each number called. The tension in the room was palatable as the numbers dwindled.

After several breaks where names were drawn for door prizes, generously donated by local businesses, the numbers were down to the top 10. These individuals were called to sit at the front of the room, and all too quickly seven were eliminated. The opportunity for $10,000 was down to the last three tickets.

After some whispered discussion, the finalists decided to split the winnings in a surprising twist.

The $10,000 prize was divided three ways between the winning individuals, Mylie and Nathan Johnson, Jennifer Owens and Andy Veach, who split a ticket, and Michael Glidewell and family. Each took home $3,000 and donated $1,000 of the winnings back to the Pell City Schools Band Boosters.

The Pell City Schools Band Boosters are currently working on their next fundraising effort for the marching band in the fall. Sponsorship opportunities have different monetary levels beginning at $500. Sponsorship benefits may include getting their name on the back of band t-shirts, banners near the Pell City High School football field, featuring on the website, and being announced as a sponsor during half-time as the band enters the field at home games.

For more information on becoming a sponsor or volunteer, you may contact Michael Glidewell at (205) 213-6480.