Manta Ray Band sets series of fundraising drives

The Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Band is putting together a series of fundraising campaigns for their upcoming trip to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Music director and conductor Will DeWitt told Saipan Tribune yesterday that the band will have a fundraising luncheon on Feb. 18. The $5 meal will consist of ribs, red rice, Korean-style sukiyaki, sausage, mango coco, and a drink.

“We plan to serve both our pre-paid customers as well as those who would like to drive up to the Oleai Beach Pavilion next to the former Oleai Beach Bar and Grill. This will take place on the morning of Feb. 18 from 11am to 1pm,” he told Saipan Tribune.

Advance tickets may be purchased by contacting DeWitt at 237-2722.

The group is also collaborating with the Public School System to create a “mega raffle” where the grand prize is $5,000 cash. Other cash prizes include $2,000 and $1,000 each for three winners as well as smaller cash amounts.

The group also expects many prizes from local businesses and supporters of the Manta Ray Band.

Each raffle ticket costs $50 and the purchaser will be entitled to join the band at a May 4 dinner concert tentatively scheduled at the Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan’s Hibiscus Hall. Raffle ticket holders do not need to be present at the May 4 drawing to win.

“Our goal is to sell 3,000 of these tickets, thus raising over $100,000 for the fundraising effort,” said DeWitt. The band is due to pay $25,000 to Olympic organizers on Feb. 1.

“Feb. 1 marks the next progress payment we owe to the Olympics. The amount is $25,000 and we are earnestly seeking ETC [educational tax credit] and other cash donations to meet this deadline. Numerous businesses and public entities have expressed their interest in supporting us even as we await their donations. All contributions, large or small, are appreciated,” he added.

Saipan Southern High School needs $300,000 to cover the maximum cost for the travel of its Manta Ray Band, which is schedule to play at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London in August. The students were among a few handpicked musicians from around the world that will make up the musical orchestra for the historic event. The school plans to send a 50-member contingency and 10 chaperons. Each member will also be asked to pay $1,500 for the two-week travel in summer.

The Manta Ray Band performed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and had a remarkable performance two years ago at the Carnegie Hall in New York.