BUTLER TWP - The Butler Golden Tornado Marching Band is seeking sponsors and donations to help pay for its trip to the Fort Dowell Fiesta Bowl parade New Year's Eve in Phoenix.

The parade precedes the 34th annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Game, one of the premier college football games in the nation.

A live audience of more than 500,000 people will line the streets of Phoenix while millions more watch on television.

Cost per student is $1,200 and various fund-raising activities have been held throughout the year to help pay for the students' trip.

Andy Yaracs, marching band director, said donations and corporate sponsors are needed to help make the trip a success.

Letters have been sent to businesses by corporate committee chairpersons Ron Thompson and Rick and Edna Bowser.

Butler band members first asked for corporate donations for their trip to the Rose Bowl Parade in 2000 in Pasadena, Calif. Prior to that, Butler band members worked to raise money for their trips and performances through community fund-raising events.

All contributors will be acknowledged through a special advertisement in the Butler Eagle prior to the band's departure for Phoenix.

Contributions are tax deductible and may be made through the Butler Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation. Donations should be sent to the Butler Golden Tornado Marching Band, Fiesta Bowl Trip, 120 Campus Lane, Butler, PA 16001.

For information or questions, call Yaracs at 724-214-3200, Ext. 5226.