More than 800 donors contributed over $100,000 to the West Virginia University’s Pride Travel Fund this fall in support of the Mountaineer Marching Band.
The annual campaign was established to help defray the costs of travel for the band, including transportation, hotels and food for the more than 350 members and staff.
“We would like to express our deepest appreciation for all those who contributed,” said Scott Tobias, WVU Director of Bands. “Your funding makes it possible for us to represent West Virginia University throughout the state and beyond with our performances. Without your help, it would be extremely difficult for the band to make it to even just half of our performances.”
With the financial assistance of private donors, the University and the WVU Athletic Department, the Pride was able to travel to Maryland in September for the football game against Virginia Tech. Along with the trip to FedEx Field, the band traveled to Ravenswood, Charleston and Kingwood for in-state exhibition performances.
“Pride supporters have been extremely generous once again this year,” said Mary Esposito, associate director of the WVU Foundation’s University Fund. “We hope to grow the Pride Travel Fund even more in the coming years, so we can continue to keep our nationally recognized band on the road. Every performance of the band helps to spread the Mountaineer spirit and pride. Thank you so much to all of our donors this year for their support.”
Since 2007, donors have contributed more than $1.3 million to the Pride Travel Fund. The contributions have enabled the band over the years to travel to away games at Auburn, Syracuse, Connecticut, Cincinnati, LSU, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Oklahoma and Marshall. Last year, the band traveled to New York City to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Anyone interested in contributing to the Pride Travel Fund may do so by contacting WVU Foundation, 304-284-4000, or www.PrideTravelFund.com.
Gifts to the Pride Travel Fund count toward A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The fundraising effort by the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University runs through December.