On Jan. 18, members of the Bowbells High Eskimo Marching Band found a way to be helpful in the community and earn money toward their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., as they represent the state of North Dakota at the National Memorial Day Parade.

The Senior Citizen Center was in need of snow removal on its roof, so when Melvin and Shirley Hoheisel called on the music boosters to see if any of the band members would help shovel, the goal was set.

Band director Leif Halvorson, along with Terry Knutson, David Kraft, John Christiansen and Shane Christiansen enjoyed the mild temps of the day as they shoveled with Melvin Hoheisel.

Music boosters is still working on fundraising and sponsorships for this trip.

“The goal will be met through the hard work of our students and those of you who pitch in sponsorships to send our band members to D.C.,” stated Sue Christiansen, music booster president.

“We have received over $24,000 to date from alumni, businesses, American Legion Posts and people who have read about our project. The response has been wonderful and we appreciate everyone who has donated,” Christiansen stated.

In the months ahead the music boosters will be working towards raising the last $12,000.

The raffle winner of the handcrafted loghouse bird feeder, sponsored by music boosters, will be drawn at the last girls’ home basketball game scheduled for Feb. 9 at the high school gymnasium. The Bowbells High Eskimo Marching Band will be performing between games that evening.

Donations can be mailed to Bowbells High School, PO Box 279, Bowbells, ND 58721.

-Burke County Tribune, Bowbells