Schools
Bloomingdale Band Hosts Successful 21st Auction
Monday raised will go to buy and repair instruments.
Going, going, gone.
With those three words the auctioneer sold spa packages, golf outings, gift certificates to restaurants, fragrance baskets, sports memorabilia, even a full-size dress form at the 21st annual Bloomingdale Band Boosters Auction Saturday in the high school cafeteria.
Coming on the heels of the pricey trip to London over New Year's Eve, auction co-chair Starlene Banks said donations for this year's auction were down a bit.
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Nevertheless, residents were willing to pay top dollar for items to help support the award-winning band program at Bloomingdale High School.
For Banks, this year's auction held special meaning. She's been chairing the auction for eight years as each of her three children participated in the band program at Bloomingdale High School. Now, with her youngest, a saxophonist, set to graduate this year, Banks will turn over the reins of the auction to this year's co-chair Tami Tutko.
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"I'll miss not being involved," said Banks. "It's been hectic but we've had a lot of fun."
Patty Fuller's daughter also will graduate this year, ending her tenure as a band parent after years of involvement.
"I'm not sure what I'll do," she said. "Maybe clean my house."
Tutko was front and center, directing every aspect of the auction of which she'll assume chairmanship next year. The auction, she noted, is the band's largest fundraiser each year, and supports the band in several ways.
It helps offset the expense of trips to band competitions, pays for the repair of instruments or funds new instruments for those beyond repair and helps pay for the band's spring trip. This year's trip will be to the Islands of Adventure in Orlando.
Last year's auction raised about $9,000 and helped defray expenses for the band's memorable trip to London to perform in the New Year's parade.
The totals weren't yet finalized for yesterday's event.
"It's a great fundraiser," said Banks. "It has assisted so many kids who otherwise couldn't afford to be in the band."
Next year, Banks will be on hand as a spectator at the auction.
"I will always support the band," she said. "Even when I'm no longer a band parent."
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