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Music Boosters raise record $11K

Steele County Times - Staff Photo - Create Article
Garret Caron performs on the bass drum during Saturday night’s concert benefit for Music Boosters of Owatonna. Organizer Jesse Hess said an interesting fact about the winter percussion is that they include kids in grades 7-12 and they are not all percussionists in the band. Staff photo by Rick Bussler
By
Rick Bussler, Publisher

As musicians filled the air with popular songs in the Wenger Arts Performing Center, audience members responded generously with a record amount of cash.

The Music Boosters of Owatonna raised a record $11,816 at the benefit concert Saturday night, smashing their goal of $8,000. “With huge gratitude, we would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way with their time, talent and donations,” said Jesse Hess, one of the organizers of the 14th annual event. “It was a fabulous evening. So much amazing community support.”

The bulk of the funds raised came through a silent auction during the event. Hess reported that $5,800 alone was raised from the auction.

Hess said the money is so helpful for Owatonna music because there are always instruments to buy and repair, experiences to support and financial assistance to be given.

“Every student should be able to have access to music without having financial barriers, and we do the best we can to help support this,” she said.

Music Boosters started in 1982 from a group of concerned community members as a result of budget cuts that threatened the music programs throughout the district, according to Hess.

The benefit was capped off with the announcement of this year’s Hall of Fame winners, which include five members of the same family: Rufus Sanders, former band director; Phyllis Sanders, longtime piano teacher; Lynne (Sanders) Bulger, 1970 graduate; Shawn Sanders and Betsy Sanders, both former students and professional cellists.

“It appears that music and teaching are in the blood of the Sanders family,” said Jerry Besser, who made the Hall of Fame announcement. “What a wonderful illness to carry on.”

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