The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Giving Campaign kickoff a success
Bands march to the beat of their own drums, raise over $2,500 for organization
The United Way of Lake County kicked off its 2018 Giving Campaign with a bang.
As a matter of fact, the nonprofit organization kicked off its primary annual fundraising drive with thousands of bangs — and that was just the fireworks show.
Previous to the sky being lit up which kept visitors to the free event held at Classic Park in Eastlake rapt, the crowd of over 1,000 people cheered wildly to the beats, booms, bells and cymbal crashes of six Lake County high school drumline bands whose individual routines displayed a range of musical, and physical, dexterity.
The drumline battle showcased the Fairport Harding Skippers, the Harvey Red Raiders, the Lake Catholic Cougar Pride, the Madison Blue Streaks, the Riverside Regiment and the
Wickliffe Swing Band.
The six ensembles officially kicked off the campaign after opening remarks from President and CEO of UWLC Jennifer McCarty and 2018 Giving Campaign Chair Morris Beverage III, president of Lighthouse Advisors in Mentor.
“United Way is not a charity, it’s much more,” said McCarty, as the bands gathered in left field. “And it’s because of all of you. All the money raised by United Way of Lake County stays in Lake County.
“One-third of all Lake County residents struggle to maintain life’s basic necessities, and we aim to fight that. This is the largest crowd to ever come out for a United Way of Lake County kickoff. We thank you so much.”
Naturally, the drum action on the field had something to do with the turnout, and that was the point, as spirited fans, students, parents and alumni alike from each school took turns shouting encouragement and boogieing to their respective drumlines.
Exhibitions featuring trooping, bouncing, marching, swinging, swaying and even percussionists performing upside-down came in succession, receiving plaudits from guest commentators, including professional musicians and local elected officials.
“I’m honored to be a part of this and this is probably by far the best campaign kickoff, and I’d like to thank Morris Beverage for putting this on,” said Willowick Mayor Rich Regovich. “This is a great way to start. Good job.”
Beverage later announced the event’s “Community Impact Champion,” the Riverside Regiment, who raised the most individual donations throughout the event. Overall, the six drumlines raised a total sum of $2,593.
Aaron Draime, one of the directors of Riverside Regiment, called the drumline showcase a great idea for UWLC and the community.
“This is a tremendous thing for the kids,” he said. “They’re not going to forget it — it’s going to be a memory of a lifetime for them. I hope we do this every year, and I’d love to see us add a nice headline like a college marching band or even the Cleveland Browns Drumline as a final event. This is a wonderful night.”