United Way supports A-E marching band

Jay FitzEast Knox, Our Town Youth

United Way of Greater Knoxville presented a check for $29,238 to the Austin-East Magnet High School marching band for new uniforms after a band performance inspired donors.

Two months ago, the annual UWGK Alexis de Tocqueville Society dinner featured local artists, performers and entertainers to celebrate Knoxville’s community and culture. One Knox, Knoxville’s first professional soccer club, sponsored the Austin-East marching band to be one of the performances at the dinner. Their lively performance and hard work wowed those assembled and inspired attendees to give back. Immediately following the dinner, United Way donors and friends were able to raise nearly $30,000 to fund the Austin-East Magnet High School Marching Band’s new band uniforms and other materials.

“We were all so impressed with the Austin-East marching band,” said Matt Ryerson, CEO of the local United Way. “You could tell how much hard work the students had put in getting ready for the performance, and it was great to have such a huge show of their work, their passion and their resilience. Impacting the lives of youth and families in Knoxville is why we do this work, and we were so excited to have them showcase their talents. We are thrilled to be able to donate and look forward to continuing to support them in their hard work.”

The donor team went to Austin-East to tour the band facilities and present the check to band director Kenneth Smith and his students Wednesday morning.

Info here or call 865-521-5580.

Information provided by United Way of Greater Knoxville.

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