Bands of America (BOA) has launched a viral campaign to reach its 1.25 million alumni and raise $250,000 by the end of the fiscal year. The organization has been hit hard by declining event income and says it needs to reach this fundraising goal by Feb. 28, 2009, in order to be financially stable.
Donors may make contributions in honor of their high school to receive recognition on a virtual letterman’s jacket. Schools whose alums raise certain amounts of money for BOA will get part of the proceeds back for their band programs.
BOA encourages all of its alumni to come forward and send a donation, even for as little as $10, to allow future students to experience what they’ve experienced. “I know times are tough, and it’s tough for everybody, especially the non-profits,” comments Chuck Henson, Bands of America Grand Nationals announcer, on the BOA website. “We need to really buckle down and support those organizations that support us, and that’s what Bands of America does.”
In the past, BOA has managed to operate mostly on revenues without large fundraisers, but in the past four years it has experienced losses. According to its website, the organization has suffered “a 9 percent shortfall in Summer Symposium enrollment and a 20 percent decrease in ticket sales during the 2008 BOA marching band season.” For information or to donate, visit www.bands.org/alumni.
