Tri-Valley band uses Poker Walk to raise funds

OHiO, DRESDEN - Jeff Stilwell said he loves his new uniform.

That is probably why Stilwell, a freshman percussionist in the Tri-Valley High School Marching Band, helped with an event geared toward paying for them.

"Band is awesome just because I'm in the drum line," he said. "It helps me stay out of trouble."

The band and booster members held a Poker Walk down Main Street in Dresden, Sunday, as well as a dinner, silent auction, and 50/50 drawing to raise funding to help pay off some debt for some not-so-cheap uniforms.
"Uniforms are expensive," Band Booster President Steve Starkey said. "We talked to the merchants that were going to be open, and some of them offered to help as well as give a few discounts to our poker participants."

Yellow and black balloons lined Main Street, directing walkers to their stops, which included store fronts, and tables along the street. Special stops were also set up for candy as well.

"I enjoy being around the kids, number one," Starkey said. "I think the kids need people there to support them because they things they do sometimes gounrecognized. It's my job to make sure they're supported."

Up until recently, it had been 18 years since the band purchased new uniforms. With the help of the school and area supporters, the band purchased 100 new uniforms with the help of the school.

The uniforms cost $30,000, and Band Booster Bobbie Walter said despite pushing hard to raise money there is still quite a chuck of that 30,000 still left to repay the school district.

"This year we have to raise $30,000 and we still need to raise about $18,000," she said.

Area residents and businesses have been very supportive, Walter agreed.

However, it isn't easy asking the same people over and over again for money, said Brandon Davis, sophomore band member.

"Our uniforms before were really old," he said. "I'm willing to do what it takes as long as it's for the uniforms."

The elder Starkey's daughter Krista is a graduated former member of the high school's marching band, and helped at the Poker Walk and dinner Sunday afternoon.

The fact that the event brings people to downtown Dresden and brings people inside the stores is an added bonus for Dresden businesses, she said.

"I think (the event) is great for the community," she said. "It's a win for everybody."

The Scotties' Marching Band will hold a band competition this Saturday, Oct. 20, also to help pay for the new uniforms.

A Jazz Dance sometime in March is in the works as well.

Zanesville Times Recorder

News Added: 15 October, 2007

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