Legislator doing all-out pledge blitz for North band to perform in inaugural parade

An all-out pledge blitz is underway today to try to raise $125,000 to sent the Columbus North High School Band to the inaugural parade in January in Washington D.C.

Rep. Milo Smith, R-Columbus, is leading the effort to raise the money today, and has about $20,000 pledged so far. But that’s not enough to commit to sending the band at this point, and he is planning the all-day blitz today to seek donations. He is asking anyone who is able to pledge $625 to pay for one band member to perform in the parade.

No funds are being collected until the pledges reach the goal of $125,000. The band is expecting an invitation from the inaugural parade committee as Vice President-elect Mike Pence, a North graduate, had asked that the band participate.

The $125,000 is the amount estimated for 200 band members and staff to make the trip. If enough corporate and private donations come through, the trip also will include some Washington, D.C., sightseeing opportunities.

An account has been established at Salin Bank’s locations in Columbus and Edinburgh to accept donations under the title “Columbus North Band Boosters inaugural parade fund.”

Smith is asking anyone who wishes to pledge to the effort to get the band to Washington D.C. email him at [email protected] today.

For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.