SEBASTIAN – The Foundation of the Rotary Club of Sebastian donated $10,000 to the Sebastian River High School Band Parents Association. Band Director Ashby Goldstein, Band Boosters President Mamta Lulla, Band Parent Representative Michelle Land as well as some students who are in the band were all present to accept the donation.
Back in May of 2017, the band’s trailer was stolen along with its contents estimating to be worth $10,000. Additionally, the band tower was condemned because of rust issues, and its replacement cost was estimated to be $33,000.
The Rotary Club of Sebastian’s Foundation saw an opportunity to help. Spearheaded by Rotarians Jane Burton and Brian Carman, the Foundation partnered with the SRHS Band Parents Association to create a matching fundraising campaign.
The Sebastian Band Boosters agreed to conduct fundraisers, and the Sebastian Rotary Foundation would match donations up to $7,500. The Band Boosters raised more than $12,000. Due to other support, the Sebastian Rotary Foundation was able to increase their donation to the amount of $10,000.
The Rotary Club of Sebastian is excited and honored to support the band and its endeavors at Sebastian River High School. They are the second oldest of the five Rotary clubs in Indian River County and were founded in 1988. This organization seeks to make lasting improvement in communities and around the world. It focuses its projects primarily on children.
They make annual donations to:
- Backpack Buddy program at Pelican Island Elementary
- Dictionary to all third graders in the north Indian River County Elementary schools each year
- Sponsors the attendance of 2 Sebastian River High School students to a Rotary-sponsored leadership camp each year
- Provides college scholarships to SRHS seniors
- Make an annual donation to Gifford Little League
- Donates school supplies to the LaPorte Farms Back to School Family Fun Day
The Rotary Club of Sebastian’s projects are funded through grants and our two annual fundraisers – the ShrimpFest and Craft Brew Hullabaloo held this year at Riverview Park in Sebastian March 16-18 and our annual golf tournament that takes place in December of each year.
