USU Big Band Swing Club’s fundraiser for Elite Hall has biggest turnout this semester
October 21st, 2015 Posted in EntertainmentUtah State University’s Big Band Swing Club held a dance on Saturday at Elite Hall to raise money for the restoration of the hall and to contribute to local musicians in the community.
According to Sean Anderson, the president of the club and a member of the restoration committee, there were 140 people in attendance, which was the highest recorded attendance this semester.
People from neighboring cities including Provo, Salt Lake City and Rexburg, Idaho came out to the fundraiser.
“Everyone loved it,” Anderson said. “Everyone that I talked to said this was one of the best dances they’ve ever been to.”
Elite Hall is 98 years old. According to Anderson, the floor and lighting will be redone and the exterior of the building will be reconstructed to be energy efficient.
Anderson said the renovation of the hall helps preserve a place for the club to share its foundation with others. The club’s goal is to get the community and students more involved in dance.
The club wants to “help people see that there is a need for this building,” Anderson said.
The fundraiser was the club’s first dance this semester to feature a live band — The CC Big Band.
“It was such a fun atmosphere,” said KaDee Hoffer, the band’s president. “Everyone was so appreciative of the band and they really pumped the band up.”
According to Hoffer the band has been performing locally throughout Cache Valley since the 1970s.
According to Anderson the event raised over $700, which does not include the tips given to the band for performing at the event.
Elite Hall received 25 percent of the ticket sales. The band also received a percentage of the money raised and the rest went toward the club.
“We just want to get our name out there,” Hoffer said. “Receiving recognition is really fulfilling to musicians.”
“It’s a lot of money; it’s a lot more than we’re going to be able to provide by ourselves, by a single dance or by any number of dances,” said Anderson in regards to the funds needed for the renovation of the hall. “By incorporating the community we raise our profits.”
More information about how people can get involved with the USU Big Band Swing Club and its efforts to restore Elite Hall is available from Sean Anderson at seandersont@gmail.com.
Ashley Springer, Bianca Pahl, Rachel Reid, Kate Leach, Cassandra Solarte and Jackson Wilde contributed to this report.
-mdl
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