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200 seedlings to help Manta Ray Band’s Olympic journey
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Posted on Nov 02 2011
By Moneth Deposa
Reporter
Reporter
Saipan Southern High School principal Jesse Tudela called on the community Monday to help the Manta Ray Band in securing funding for its Olympic trip next year by sponsoring a tree worth $100.
He disclosed that the Division of Forestry, with the assistance of CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, has donated 200 seedlings to the group to help them raise funds for their trip.
As of Monday, Tudela said that SSHS has raised only has $30,000 for the trip, which is estimated to cost up to $300,000. He said the $30,000 represent pledges, donations, and educational tax credit received by the school this year.
Tudela is optimistic that they will be able to come up with the money through an upcoming series of fundraisers for the group.
This week, the band organized a Halloween dance fundraiser in the campus, the proceeds of which went directly to the band’s account.
The SSHS Manta Ray Band will send a 50-member contingency and 10 chaperons to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The Olympics is slated for July 27 to Aug. 12, 2012. Each member will also be asked to pay $1,500 for the two-week travel.
The band had performed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics nearly three years ago and had a remarkable performance two years ago in New York City’s Carnegie Hall.
Manta Ray Band members, Tudela said, are among the few handpicked musicians from around the world that will make up the musical orchestra for the important event.
Besides the seedling fundraiser, the school is also looking for online sponsors through its website. Mini-concerts are also scheduled this month and in Christmas to generate additional funds.
In February next year, SSHS will also organize a golf tournament and will work with the Coral Ocean Point to make it happen.
Tudela hopes that the creation of a fundraising committee will bring positive results to the group.
Last week, the group appealed to the Saipan legislative delegation for assistance. Tudela said no assurance has been given by the delegation yet.
