Rotarians to donate $1K for Manta Band’s London trip

  Members of the Saipan Rotary Club voted yesterday to extend financial assistance to the Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Band for their upcoming trip to the London Olympics this month.

At the suggestion of Rotarian Kim Forrester, club members made a unanimous vote to donate $1,000 to the band for their scheduled journey to the Olympic Games.

The Manta Ray Band was among a few handpicked high school bands across the nation invited to perform at the Summer Olympics.

The young talents have also been invited to perform at Westminster Abbey, Queen Elizabeth’s Conference Center, and a torch ceremony in Central London. A 30-minute bonus show is also scheduled at the Olympic Park.

During yesterday’s meeting at Hyatt Regency Saipan, Forrester noted the hard work shown by the Manta Ray Band in trying to come up with the funds for their London trip. Forrester said the group deserves the Rotarians’ support and described their upcoming performance as a “great thing” for the CNMI.

Manta Ray Band musical director Will DeWitt was thrilled upon hearing the good news. He revealed that the Saipan Rotary Club has been an ardent supporter of the band since it was first created and once donated brand new musical instruments some seven years ago.

According to DeWitt, the band members are scheduled to fly to London in early morning of July 23.

To date, the group is still short of $35,000 for its $250,000 budget for the two-week trip, DeWitt said.

This after they received some donations and fundraising proceeds since last week of about $5,000 including the latest $1,000 pledge from the Rotary.

DeWitt said the group’s deadline for final payment is July 15 and the band is appealing to those who may have been waiting “on the sidelines” to help them seal the deal.

Last Sunday, band members held a carwash fundraiser at McDonald’s Middle Road. The group has scheduled a rummage sale at Mount Carmel School on July 15, from 7am to 4pm. A bowling tournament and radio telethon are also in the works before their trip this month.

If any individual or business would like to add their name to the band’s list of supporters, contact DeWitt at 989-6987 or willdewitt69@gmail.com. Educational tax credit donations, DeWitt said, remain a popular and convenient tool for many to give generously during difficult economic times.

By Moneth Deposa
Reporter