The community is invited to come out and support local students during a special fundraiser weekend at the Washita Theater, hosted in partnership with the Cordell Chamber of Commerce. The event, called “Level Up the Cordell Band,” will take place March 26, March 27, and March 28, featuring showings of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at 7 p.m. each night. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
The weekend fundraiser will benefit the Cordell High School Band, whose members will be working alongside theater staff throughout the event. Students will help run the concession stand before the movie and assist with cleaning the theater afterward. In return, the band will receive a percentage of the concession sales from each night.
Donation jars will also be placed around the theater lobby for those who would like to contribute additional support.
Sarah Lau, Executive Director of the Cordell Chamber of Commerce, said the event is a great way for the community to rally behind local students while enjoying a night out at the movies.
“As a former band person, I know how important it is to raise money to go on fun trips,” Lau said. “This is important to show these kids that we support them. Originally we were only going to do two days, but the students said, ‘No, we want the whole weekend!’ That really shows the dedication and work ethic that has been taught to these kids.”
Community members don’t even have to see the movie to participate. Lau encourages people to stop by the theater during the event simply to grab popcorn, purchase a drink, or make a donation.
“You don’t have to stay for the movie,” Lau said. “If you just want to come by and grab some popcorn or drop a little something in the donation jar to support the band, we would love to see you.”