For 13 years, Godfrey-Lee Band Director Kevin Gabrielse has leaned on his 10-acre apple orchard to help significantly fund the Lee Middle and High program.
This year alone, the band used apples from his orchard to make and sell 2,000 pies that raised $13,400 for the program that he directs.
Band booster Deanna Mockerman said the apple pie fundraiser is how most students cover their portion of band camp and that it accounts for 80% or more of the total amount of band funds raised each year.
“The band program would not be what it is without this event and our marching band program wouldn't be where it is now if we weren't able to have band camp the way we have,” explained Mockerman.
Like most marching band students, freshman trumpet player Karyna Espinoza played her part for the program.
“I cut up the apples and helped peel them,” said Karyna, who also wrestles and runs cross-country and track for Lee.
From his apple orchard and his mom Judy to his band students and volunteers, Gabrielse said this really envelops the entire community, both in the sale and the assembly process.
“This is how we work to make a difference for families,” continued Gabrielse, who praised his mom for her significant role in the fundraiser. “She does a lot of the work out in the orchard, and it’s her secret apple pie recipe.”
For School News Network, I’m?Cris Greer