CARLSBAD — The La Costa Canyon Maverick Brigade’s Booster couldn’t have picked a better time for their E-waste Recycling Drive on Jan. 14 and Jan. 15 at the La Costa Canyon High School parking lot. After the holidays, many people have new electronic gadgets and want to get rid of the old models.
Not only will this weekend promote an eco-friendly event, but proceeds from the fundraiser will support the band through their general fund.
“We use that money to purchase sheet music and instruments, maintain and repair instruments owned by the school, pay tournament entry fees, purchase and maintain uniforms, supply water during football games and tournaments and provide lunch during tournaments,” said Susan Pacheco, the La Costa Canyon Maverick Brigade’s Booster vice president of fundraising and E-waste Recycling Drive event organizer.
The La Costa Canyon Maverick Brigade offers a marching band, colorguard and also showcases a concert and jazz band and drumline series. The marching band and colorguard consist of 55 members and 50 students take part in the concert band.
With school budget cuts, the Brigade’s Booster helps fill the financial gap.
“We do receive some money through the LCC Foundation, however, there have been reductions over the past few years and more and more fundraising responsibility has fallen on the Band Boosters, the supporting parent organization,” Pacheco said. “We do all that we can without burdening the students too much.”
Pacheco pointed out that the students are already so busy with academics, band practice, tournaments, home football game performances, supporting local events and more.
This year marks their third annual E-waste Recycling Drive and it has drawn quite a crowd.
For the first two years of the drive, Pacheco said they raised approximately $3,000 each time.
“We are hoping this year to double that amount by adding a raffle and selling fresh baked cookies,” she said. Taylor Guitar Company based in El Cajon gifted a solid body electric Taylor guitar valued at $1,748 for the raffle.
Pacheco described the students as being very environmentally conscience so the E-waste Recycling Drive is a perfect fundraising fit.
“We also feel good about providing a free service to the community,” she said. “The kids have a great time unloading cars, waving signs and greeting the donators.”
Due to the financial support they have received, this past fall the band competed in three tournaments. They snatched two second-place wins at Mira Mesa and Vista, while their colorguard came in third at Rancho Buena Vista.
“This is an amazing accomplishment given that 50 percent of last year’s band members were seniors and left at the end of last year,” Pacheco said. “The incoming freshman class is very large and all band members, including those newly initiated, stepped up to the challenge.”
Above all, the band landed a huge accolade while taking part in the 2011 London New Year’s Day Parade. In addition to the parade, they also played at Cadogan Hall, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England.
For this year’s fundraiser, Pacheco wanted to thank the LCC Foundation, Hi-Tec Recyclers, Ruby’s Diner and Jack in the Box Restaurants for donator coupons, Sprouts Farmer’s Market for volunteer refreshments, Sign-A-Rama and the Walsh Family for baked Otis Spunkmeyer cookies.
Pacheco said the students work hard at this weekend fundraiser, and in the end, are proud of their team effort.
“That band spirit really comes out at this event,” she said.
E-Waste Recycling Drive drop-off will be Jan. 14 and Jan. 15 at the La Costa Canyon High School parking lot located at One Maverick Way in Carlsbad.
