Major Donations for Isla Bonita All-Star Marching Band

Ambergris Today

Since November of last year a committee of enthusiastic parents and residents has been raising funds for the Isla Bonita All Star Marching Band. This band is getting ready to attend the Governor General’s Annual Marching Band Fest on March 23 under the fine guidance of Band Master Mr. John Thompson. The band is comprised of young boys and girls from Isla Bonita Elementary, San Pedro R.C. School, Holy Cross Anglican School, St. Peters and San Pedro High School.

The Committee along with members of the marching band have so far held several raffles, a radiothon, two dollar drives with music, two parade-athons with music, sales at Island Invasion, sales at the San Pedro Holiday Boat Parade, and collection of fees from all members.

Recently several generous and major donations have brought the Isla Bonita All Star marching band closer to its goal of attending the Band Fest scheduled for March 23, 2013 in the city of Belmopan.

One such kind benefactor is Mrs. Eve Dirnback who has joined the committee and has pledged to raise the money for the uniforms of some 60 boys and girls. Another generous sponsor is Mr. Glen Wilson who has children in the organization and has donated a set of drums which consists of six snares, three bass drums, two cymbals and one drum trio. Mr. Glen Wilson has also pledged to match the committee’s funds raised dollar for dollar, and did so with the first purchase of instruments. Now he is about to match the newly raised funds.

Coming on board in this noble cause also is the Mayor and San Pedro Town Council who have donated $4,000 towards uniforms as well as transportation for the event plus a pledge for further assistance. Also joining the noble group of kind donors is Area Rep. Hon. Manuel Heredia with a donation of $3,000 and a pledge for another donation later on as well as contacts with another kind donor.

Prominent and kind businessman Pete Salazar of Caribeña Enterprises also came on board with a kind contribution of $700. And to top it off, through an invitation from Shelly Huber of Bistro Mestizo, the band and majorettes performed on Barrier Reef Drive on Saturday, January 19 and raised in a dollar drive the sum of $971.36.

Mayor Danny Guerrero and Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. present donations to the Isla Bonita All-Star Marching Band

Kenrick Brackett handing over a cheque on behalf of the Town Council to committee member Perlita Zapata

John, Maria and Mrs. Eve receiving a donation from Caribeña Enterprises

Isla Bonita All-Star Marching Band had their Dollar Drive at Bistro Mestizo

On Sunday, January 27, the Marching band played at a Sunday afternoon recital at Crazy Canucks thanks to the kind invitation of Rob. Committee Member Eve Dirnback organized the event with assistance of Linda Miller and Krista Agromonte. Through raffle tickets sold and kind donations the jolly group raised $1,158.50. Drummer Jex Brown of New Jersey donated $100.00 U.S. plus 24 drum sticks. (black to match uniforms) Thanks also to Drummer Dan and his band for their kind assistance at the event. Another big thank you to Dale Wallace Jr. for his kind donation of drum sticks. Thanks to Laura Guitterez for all her assistance in Chetumal Q. Roo. And again thanks to Rob for the kind invitation to play at Crazy Canucks once a month. Thanks to the community at large for your fine cooperation.

To all the kind donors and sponsors on behalf of all the committee, children and teenagers of the Isla Bonita All Star Marching Band, our sincere appreciation.

If if want to contribute to the Isla Bonita All-Star Marching Band kindly contact: Isla Bonita Elementary School at Email: islabonitasch@btl.net or call: 226-3754.