The Columbus North Sound of North marching band will march in the presidential inauguration day parade in Washington D.C. in January after pledges reached $93,385 today.
Rep. Milo Smith, R-Columbus, said he is still working hard to raise the remaining $30,000 or so, but the amount raised so far is enough for the band to start making travel plans.
Band Director Bill Stultz confirmed he has told the band and their parents that the trip is on to perform in the inaugural parade for Columbus native and Vice President-elect Mike Pence. Pence graduated from Columbus North and asked the band to be invited.
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 all those who have pledged so far to please head to a Salin Bank location to deposit pledge money.
And those who want to help the band complete its $125,000 total are urged to send a pledge to [email protected] and then deposit the money at Salin Bank.
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.