Plenty of performers have declined to play at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration this week, but one school band that said yes is getting a huge infusion of cash.
The Talladega College Marching Tornadoes started a GoFundMe page with a goal oft $75,000 to cover their expenses to Washington for the swearing-in this week. Because it’s a smaller school, the Alabama college was going to need help to make the trip possible for its roughly 225 band members.
After getting a shoutout last week on “The O’Reilly Factor,” it blew past the $70k mark. Talladega President Billy Hawkins was brought on the show to discuss the band’s participation in the inauguration. Since his appearance before more than 3 million viewers, the GoFundMe has now raised over $595,000.
“Just another deplorable helping out a great cause! Thank you for standing up to all the hypocrites!” said one commentator, after leaving a $10 donation, with another posting: “Rock the Capitol down, enjoy this historical experience. We will look for the Tornadoes!”
The money is set to be used for new uniforms for the band and may even be used to start up a new scholarship for the program, thanks to the over 10,000 people who have donated.
