“Todd, my husband and I were in our high school bands and we have fond memories,” Wilber said. “We wanted to give back to the bands and when we were approached several years ago , we said ‘sure why not.’ It’s been such a success we continue to do it year after year.”
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The all-you-can-eat buffet will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday Nov. 19 at 9246 Shulze Drive.
The regular menu won’t be available that day — people can still order pizza in the bar area and carryout — but the buffet will be laden with pizza, pasta, chicken, fish, salads and soft drinks. Pre-ordered tickets are $15 for adults and $18 at the door. Tickets for children ages 4-12 are $7.
Wilber said she expects 1,000 guests will be served during the fundraiser by 100 volunteers who help put on the feast.
“We will have over 100 volunteers throughout the restaurant that day,” she said. “Because in order for us to do this, we’re donating the food and then to donate the labor on top of it we couldn’t do it. We have our friends and the band members families and friends that come in and work the kitchen and dining room and pour drinks and seat people, it’s quite fun.”
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Over the years, the Lakota West Marching Firebirds have performed at the Hollywood Christmas Parade, the Sugar Bowl, The Holiday Parade in Hawaii, the Rose Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
This New Year’s Eve, the Marching Firebirds will be performing in front of thousands of spectators as they lead a parade around Cinderella’s Castle and down the middle of Main Street USA, according to band parent Debbie Pizzuco.
She said these performances have been unforgettable experiences.
“It is great to see the band’s hours and hours of practice and dedication paid off with an invitation to march in the Magic Kingdom,” she said. “This is truly an opportunity of a lifetime for our kids. We sincerely appreciate the support the band receives from the district and the community.”
The 227-member band is in Indianapolis this weekend competing in the Bands of America Grand National Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium.
HOW TO GO
WHAT: Dough Rai$er, an all-you-can-eat buffet benefiting the Lakota West Marching Firebirds
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 19
WHERE: UNO Pizzeria and Grill, 9246 Shulze Drive in West Chester Twp.
COST: Pre-ordered tickets are $15 for adults and $18 at the door. Tickets for ages 4-12 are $7. Free admission for ages 3 and younger. For tickets, e-mail unos@lakotawestbands.org
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