Schools

Helix Instrumental Music Assoc. to Host Mardi Gras-Themed Dinner, Auction

The dinner is one of the biggest revenue sources for the music department each year, which is primarily funded by donations and fundraisers. The department has a proud tradition at the school, and has been in existence for about 60 years.

“Laissez les bons temps rouleau!”

The Music Department is preparing to celebrate Big Easy style, and will “let the good times roll,” with its annual fundraising , sponsored by the Helix Instrumental Music Association (HIMA). The event will be held at the and will run from 6-10 p.m.

The dinner is one of the biggest revenue sources for the department each year, which is primarily funded by donations and fundraisers. The department has a proud tradition at the school, and has been in existence for about 60 years.

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The monies raised will help pay for equipment, instrument maintenance and repair, and camps, among other things.

The dinner auction's primary fundraising goal is to ensure we have enough money to start competitive marching band the following fall,” said Mitchell Way, director of the program. “It helps pay for the music and drill design, a new flag or two hopefully, and making sure all the battery drums have heads that are in good shape, etc.  It also helps to make sure we have money to pay for band camp.”

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

There are close to 200 Helix students that participate in various music department groups each year. This year, there are 130 in the school band, 40 in the orchestra, 10 in the colorguard, and 14 in the Scotties Bagpipe Band.

Each year, the department picks a different theme for the dinner and auction. This year, the theme is New Orleans and Mardi Gras. The school has a dedicated group of volunteer committee members who work on selecting the theme and planning for the annual dinner.

The school does get a limited budget for each of its departments from the , but it’s not enough to cover the wide array of expenses that are incurred.

While the school has paid for some capital expenses and transportation costs, we receive limited funds that in reality, barely scratches the surface to funding a competitive program,” said Cori Garrod, HIMA member. “I believe the public perception is that the school or school district pays for the program, but it's really through the fundraising efforts of the Helix Instrumental Music Association.”

Way agreed.

“Due to the current economic situation, whether we are successful at the Dinner Auction and POPS! Concert specifically determines whether we can afford to start marching band competitively each year,” he said.

Garrod stressed that the dinner auction is open to everyone in the community, just the friends and family of our students. She said there will be a lot of auction items up for bid.  You can see updates on some of the items on the event Facebook page

In addition to both live and silent auctions, the event will feature costume contests and an "Everybody Wins" roller derby. And of course, great food!

Tickets are only $25 per person (adults only) OR $185 for a table of 8. The final ticket reservation deadline is Tuesday, April 24. Tickets will be held at the door. 

Contact Karen Mallory at (619) 322-7654 or kbar686@cox.net for questions or credit card orders.

For more information on the history of the Helix Instrumental Music Department, visit http://helixband.net/HIMA/History.html


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