Main fundraiser photo

Desert Ridge HS Pearl Harbor Trip

Calling ALL Americans who have a passion for music and arts and feel the call of duty to help preserve the freedoms we enjoy in this great country we call home. This is your opportunity to make a difference! December 7th, 2017 will mark the 76th Anniversary of the "day that will live in infamy"- the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Every year there is a memorial parade held to honor those who fought for our country. The parade always begins with the remembrance of the 1,177 men who died on the USS Arizona, fighting for their country on that fateful day in 1941.

Sadly, we were notified one week ago with the unfortunate news that the original Arizona school which was chosen is unable to attend. This will be the first time in 25 years there is not a school from Arizona representing our state, and who are committed to supporting the surviving WWII veterans.

To our surprise, the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade Committee has extended an opportunity to the Desert Ridge High School Marching Band of Mesa, Arizona. We have accepted the challenge to become this year's official ambassadors for the State of Arizona.

We have about 4 weeks to raise approximately $225,000; to cover food, hotel, and airfare to Hawaii. This is not an amount our students can raise on their own in such a short time period. We desperately need sponsorship, and are reaching out to you.

We are asking for a miracle!

Four years ago, DRHS was chosen to represent the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade. The students fundraised for a year to earn the money themselves. They were there to witness tears stream down veteran's faces as the parade went by. They saw veterans struggle to stand to put their hand over their heart and salute their flag. The Students hugged them, listened to their stories, learned from them, and matured on that trip. It changed them forever. Because of the impact the vets had on those students, we decided to put forth the effort so the current students could experience that as well.

It's heartbreaking to think those remaining USS Arizona veterans may not have anyone from Arizona representing them at the parade this year. This is about wanting to do right by our remaining WWII Veterans. We believe we must honor that great generation at this years parade. Let's come together as a community to remember our past and build a bridge to future generations.

We are asking for you to please sponsor our group of approximately 100 people (83 students plus staff and chaperones) to travel and participate in this event.

Time is very short as the school district needs to start making travel arrangements in the next few weeks. The Desert Ridge High School Band Parent Organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductable and our EIN is 41-2068868.

We appreciate your time and consideration in this endeavour. We honor you and thank you for your enduring support.

God Bless America!

Donations 

  • Dustin Rector
    • $20 
    • 6 yrs

Organizer

Patrick Thomson
Organizer
Mesa, AZ

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