As you all know, our son Garret is a marching baritone for the University of North Alabama Marching Pride.

Although the Marching Pride is currently at 275 members, they only started with 27 students back in 1949. Fun fact… Their first official performance was on 10/22/49. Garret’s birthday is 10/22!

Marching Pride has been selected to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year, and the overall cost for the band to travel and perform is a little over half a million dollars. UNA has raised a ton through school and student fundraising, the Alabama State Legislature covered a large portion, and the rest is member cost.

Justin and I have already covered all the necessary payments for Garret, but there are still funds needed that will not be provided by UNA. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for Garret, and we want to be sure he has everything he needs. Including warm clothes, because we live in the south and I don’t even think Garret owns a winter coat. I’m laughing, but very serious, and it never even occurred to me until last week that he probably needs to go shopping! Really though, this final portion is to help cover meals and other small expenses that are definitely going to add up for him. We aren’t asking for a lot at all, and this is the money that Garret will be taking with him to NYC.

A share or $1 helps!! Even a quick prayer for safe travels and strength for this upcoming performance are so appreciated.

We love you all and THANK YOU for supporting Garret and the UNA Marching Pride! Roar Lions!