By Izzy Schmidt
Photo courtesy of Mr. Piccininni
Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band members have sold $10 tickets since September for a chance to win money in a drawing which helped fundraise for the band.
Closing their Winter Concert on December 18, Franke drew, from the pool of hundreds, James Zeiter’s name, granting him $4,400. Zeiter immediately donated his winnings back to Coronado’s band program.
“I was happy to win, but didn’t necessarily expect to either. I donated the money because I enjoy the band program, and I think that it’s good for the kids to get involved in performing arts in high school,” James Zeiter said.
After his sudden donation, the theater audience of parents and students gave Zeiter a standing ovation to show their appreciation.
”I was pretty surprised and pretty pleased with Mr. Zeiter’s generosity,” Mr. McCraken, band director, said.
Zeiter’s son, Lucas Zeiter, jr., is a member of the band. He was shocked with his family’s win considering he only had 20 tickets in the pool. “I was pretty excited. At first, I was a little upset when my dad gave it back because money’s money, and it’s wonderful to have money, but it’s more beneficial to the band than to us,” he said.
After the donation, the band program raised over $8,000 to help pay for the rest of the band’s expenditures, such as concerts, marching season funds, helping instructors, and field trips.
