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Since the U.S. economic recession began several years ago, organizations across the country have felt a financial pinch as funding has been lower than their customary levels.
This national trend is also present in East Peoria, as the East Peoria Community High School’s band booster program has struggled with their recent fundraising efforts.
While the school’s portion of the band funding has not been affected by the state’s financial struggles, the booster’s fundraising issues could have an affect on the band program as a whole.
“We certainly don’t want to let up on all of the help that we normally give to the band program,” said Steve Knobeloch, secretary and president-elect of the booster program. “We’re trying to grow the program, but at the same time, our funding is shrinking.”
To help counter the financial issues, the boosters will hold a buffet dinner and silent auction at the high school on Saturday. Knobeloch said the buffet idea was meant to be different than the typical high school fundraisers.
“It’s something different that’s not candy bars,” Knobeloch said. “We’re trying to think outside of the box here. Kids are often tired of selling candy bars and little trinkets.”
Even though the state’s budget provides the EPCHS band program with funding for the essentials like instruments, music and instrument maintenance, the boosters are relied on to help the program with outside expenses.
Areas that the boosters provide funding for include scholarships for the summer band camp and marching band season.
Adam Schneblin, band director at EPCHS, said that although the band program relies on the boosters for funding, their help goes beyond dollars and cents.
“I couldn’t do and the students couldn’t do a fraction of what we do (without the boosters),” he said. “There’s no way without the manpower and volunteer hours from the parents and boosters.
“There’s so much more that boosters do than raise dollars,” he added.
If the boosters are unable to raise the money they need, Knobeloch said the program would may reluctantly raise student fees.
“One of our income sources is a band fee, which we try to keep at a minimum,” he said. “We’re trying to be reasonable to allow every student to have the student participate in band and not worry about coming up with fees.”
Knobeloch acknowledged that the boosters would be reluctant to make cuts from their current budget.
“Cuts would be a very last resort, we certainly want to proceed as we have been going and don’t want to take a step backwards,” Knobeloch added.
The booster’s buffet and silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday in the EPCHS cafeteria.
Advance tickets for the event are $25. For more information, call Steve at 550-7200.
Since the U.S. economic recession began several years ago, organizations across the country have felt a financial pinch as funding has been lower than their customary levels.
This national trend is also present in East Peoria, as the East Peoria Community High School’s band booster program has struggled with their recent fundraising efforts.
While the school’s portion of the band funding has not been affected by the state’s financial struggles, the booster’s fundraising issues could have an affect on the band program as a whole.
“We certainly don’t want to let up on all of the help that we normally give to the band program,” said Steve Knobeloch, secretary and president-elect of the booster program. “We’re trying to grow the program, but at the same time, our funding is shrinking.”
To help counter the financial issues, the boosters will hold a buffet dinner and silent auction at the high school on Saturday. Knobeloch said the buffet idea was meant to be different than the typical high school fundraisers.
“It’s something different that’s not candy bars,” Knobeloch said. “We’re trying to think outside of the box here. Kids are often tired of selling candy bars and little trinkets.”
Even though the state’s budget provides the EPCHS band program with funding for the essentials like instruments, music and instrument maintenance, the boosters are relied on to help the program with outside expenses.
Areas that the boosters provide funding for include scholarships for the summer band camp and marching band season.
Adam Schneblin, band director at EPCHS, said that although the band program relies on the boosters for funding, their help goes beyond dollars and cents.
“I couldn’t do and the students couldn’t do a fraction of what we do (without the boosters),” he said. “There’s no way without the manpower and volunteer hours from the parents and boosters.
“There’s so much more that boosters do than raise dollars,” he added.
If the boosters are unable to raise the money they need, Knobeloch said the program would may reluctantly raise student fees.
“One of our income sources is a band fee, which we try to keep at a minimum,” he said. “We’re trying to be reasonable to allow every student to have the student participate in band and not worry about coming up with fees.”
Knobeloch acknowledged that the boosters would be reluctant to make cuts from their current budget.
“Cuts would be a very last resort, we certainly want to proceed as we have been going and don’t want to take a step backwards,” Knobeloch added.
The booster’s buffet and silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday in the EPCHS cafeteria.
Advance tickets for the event are $25. For more information, call Steve at 550-7200.
