Music fundraiser looking to set record
The La Cañada High School Music Parents Association is looking to set a new attendance mark for the La Cañada High music program’s “Celebrate Music Dinner Show and Fundraiser” this year.
The event will be held on Feb. 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. Last year, an all-time-high 600 people attended the dinner show, the program’s biggest fundraiser. The organization is attempting to outdo itself again this year, said Donna Dohi, the chair of the event.
Money generated from the “Celebrate Music Dinner Show and Fundraiser” will go toward keeping La Cañada High’s music program strong. The La Cañada High School Music Parents Association uses the fundraiser to cover a lot of the extra things most schools can’t afford after repeated cuts to public education from the California Legislature.
The LCHS Music Parents Association is looking to generate at least $40,000 from the fundraiser, which is right around the amount raised last year. The all-time high for the event, $45,000, was set two years ago, said Fernando Aenlle-Rocha, co-president of the association.
“All of the support staff and things like that make the band great — that’s what we fund,” Dohi said. “This year, the LCHS band went to the championship and I’m sure it’s because of all of the help of the technicians. The program would be impacted if we weren’t able to fund that.”
Proceeds from the fundraiser will pay for music, instruments and staff salaries. The funds will pay for staff that assist with the formations and marches of the band, helping perfect the visuals during a performance, said Linda Reisz, the communications vice president for the LCHS Music Parents Association.
“This isn’t fluff — we are raising money to pay for salaries that the state budget doesn’t pay for. It’s the essentials for the music program,” Reisz said.
Students in LCHS’ music program are asked to donate $20 toward the event, help build baskets for the raffle, perform and juggle a few jobs throughout the night.
Reisz said she believes students are reminded of the importance of the program as they raise money for it.
“The students are very involved,” Dohi said. “They help set up and are the main event of the night. They are contributing to the success of their own program.”
The “Celebrate Music Dinner Show and Fundraiser” will include a raffle, auction, dinner and performances from La Cañada High School’s award-winning band, orchestra, drum line and color guard. State Assemblyman Anthony Portantino and Councilman Steve Del Guercio will emcee the event. Both of the local leaders have strong ties to La Cañada High’s music program. Portantino’s daughter was a part of the program before graduating recently and Del Guercio’s daughter currently is a member.
The Glendale Civic Auditorium is located at 1401 N. Verdugo Rd., Glendale. Tickets are $15 for children and $50 for adults in advance, $60 at the door. For more information visit the La Cañada Music Program’s website at www.lchsmusic.org.