Event to help support Titusville Athletics
By Chris Fish
cfish@hometownnewsol.com
TITUSVILLE -- In the midst of a budgetary crisis, Titusville High School's athletics department is hosting a fundraiser in the hope of raising funds for numerous programs.
On Saturday, March 2, Titusville High School will host "The Country Legends Band" at 7 p.m. in the Titusville Theater, located on the campus.
Jason Berley, athletic director for Titusville High School, said in an email that all proceeds raised at the event will go directly to athletic programs at the school.
"With budgets tighter than ever, and raising funds for high school sports at an all-time high, Titusville High School has decided to take a proactive approach to raise money to support our athletics," Mr. Berley said. "It's a family-fun, clean, entertaining show for all ages. The Country Legends Band does a great job performing the last 40 to 50 years of country music."
Mr. Berley said that the funds raised from the event will be spent to pay for athletic transportation, officials and security, and the individual sport teams will also be able to raise money for new equipment, uniforms and other essentials needed to operate each year.
The fundraiser for the athletics department comes during a time of uncertainty for numerous Brevard County schools.
Due to nearly $30 million in budgetary shortfalls, the Brevard County School Board has announced a list of proposed budgetary cuts, which includes the closing of four elementary schools and the elimination of 578 positions.
Within the proposed budgetary cuts, the Brevard County School Board also seeks to initiate a pay-to-participate fee for athletics, starting at $100 for the first sport.
"Pay-to-participate looks like it may happen," Mr. Berley said. "The school board is still working on it."
The Country Legends Band consists of Brevard County musicians, who pay tribute to the most popular country songs of the last 50 years, from artists such as Patsy Cline, all the way to Taylor Swift.
According to the group's website, the band was created in 2007 by Brevard residents Lenny Paoletti and his wife Tammy, feature singer of the show.
The show features a narration from Mr. Paoletti, which includes facts about the stars who they pay tribute to.
Tickets for the event are $20, and they are available for purchase at Titusville High School.
For more information about the event, contact athletic director Jason Berley or bookkeeper Brenda Dornbusch at (321) 264-3100.