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Hundreds flocked to John Marshall High School last weekend in support of a local teacher afflicted with breast cancer, raising nearly $2,100 at the Steel Band Fest.
Band Director Tracey Filben said the turnout was "fantastic" for the event, which occurred last Saturday. JM's band was joined by performers from Wheeling Middle School, Sherrard Middle, Wheeling Park High School and West Liberty University, as well as local professional band Steel Casa.
"It was a really fantastic day," Filben said. "The performers were amazing. Every group was fantastic. … We were hoping to raise like a thousand dollars, and to raise more than double that was really exciting."
The second year for the event was held as a fundraiser for Heather Schultz, an Ohio County teacher and family friend of Filben's, who is battling breast cancer. Filben said she wanted to raise funds to help the family cover some of the costs associated with treatment, such as hotels, gas money for long drives and meals.
Filben hopes to make the event an annual occurrence, with the fundraising aspect in place for different causes.
"We plan to make this an annual charitable event," she said. "Each year, we'll come up with a different charitable event -- animal shelter, Relay for Life or whatever. There are so many potential good things we could give to."
Coming up, JMHS will host the the Region 1 Band Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 9-10, welcoming school bands from Tyler up to Hancock counties.
This event is open to the public. The JMHS Spring Concert will also be held at 6:30 p.m. April 9 at the school.