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Manta Ray Band scrambles to find $300K for 2012 Olympics trip
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Posted on Sep 30 2011
By Moneth Deposa
Reporter
Reporter
The Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Band is scrambling to find $300,000 to cover the travel costs it expects to incur when it plays at the 2012 London Olympics.
SSHS principal Jesse Tudela disclosed to Saipan Tribune yesterday that the group has only about $45,000 right now, almost half of which has yet to be collected from pledges.
Early this year, Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan had pledged $10,000 for the group, of which $5,000 has already been deposited in the group’s account. Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos had also promised to donate $15,000 to the band.
Because of the current financial state of the government and the crisis besetting the local economy, Tudela said that donations and financial help may be difficult to secure this year.
He is still optimistic, however, that the Manta Ray Band will be able to find money for their journey. Tudela said the group will schedule successive mini-concerts on island to raise the needed funds.
The SSHS Manta Ray Band will send a 50-member delegation with 10 chaperons to the London Olympics. Each member will also be asked to pay $1,500 for the two-week travel in summer.
The Manta Ray Band is among a few handpicked musicians from around the world that will make up the musical orchestra for the Olympics.
Last Wednesday, Tudela sought the assistance of CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan who promised to provide 1,000 flame tree seedlings that can be used by the group in a tree-planting fundraiser. He said the group intends to sell the seedling for $100 apiece to sponsors.
