SALISBURY — The Mini Funk Factory Marching Band is trying to raise funds to help provide students’ transportation, meals, instruments and music instruction.
The goal is to raise $80,000 by Monday, but any amount will help cover the band’s expenses. The online fundraising campaign can be found at www.indiegogo.com/projects/keep-the-funk-alive.
The Mini Funk Factory started three years ago as a drumline at Overton Elementary School. It soon grew into the first elementary school marching band in North Carolina.
This year, the band is expanding for the first time to any elementary or middle school child in the county. It will be open to more students than ever before.
Director Anthony Johnson said he’s afraid that without more money, the band will have to start charging a fee for participation. That could keep out the at-risk children it was created to help, he said.
With the full $80,000, the band can provide transportation for all of the students to its new facility in Salisbury City Park. It would also purchase newer instruments to replace those that are wearing out.
Anyone who donates at least $500 will get a commemorative T-shirt.