FUNDRAISING
The quality band program that we have come to expect from Dunbar is expensive. The Band receives very minimal financial support from the Fayette County Board of Education. Fundraising efforts by the Band Parents Association (BPA) and the members of the band provide the necessary funds to support the Band’s activities. The entire band program at PLD benefits from these funds, which are used to pay for such things as sheet music, instruments and instrument repair, other equipment, uniforms, instruction, and other administrative support. In addition, the funds raised by the PLD Band Parents Association pays for all transportation to assessments and contests and off-campus performances, food, lodging at contests, entry fees, and award patches.
Our Fundraising Commitment
Fundraising is a shared responsibility of every band family. While participation may look different from one family to another, every family is expected to contribute throughout the season.
Whether you volunteer your time, participate in product sales, secure sponsorships, take advantage of employer giving programs, or support one of our year-round opportunities, every effort helps strengthen the entire program.
Paul Laurence Dunbar Band Parents Association Inc.
Annual Fundraising Calendar
The PLD Band offers a variety of fundraising opportunities throughout the year. Our fundraising calendar provides an overview of annual and year-round opportunities available to band families. Explore the options below to learn more about each fundraiser and discover the many ways you can support the PLD Band.
MAJOR VOLUNTEER EVENTS
Legends Concessions
Dunbar Invitational
Dunbar Invitational
April-September
Legends Concessions is one of our largest annual fundraisers! Working at the Lexington Legends ballpark at the concession stand is a lot of fun and a great opportunity for band parents to get to know one another and celebrate our kids band success! Most importantly it is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we need all the parents we can get to come out and help! You can run the register or simply run drinks and food over to the counter. There is something for everyone and it only takes a few hours of your time to make a big impact! Hope to see you and meet all of you at a game this year!
Dunbar Invitational
Dunbar Invitational
Dunbar Invitational
September
The Dunbar Invitational is our largest single fundraising event of the year and requires the support of our entire band community. Families volunteer in a variety of roles before, during, and after the event to help welcome hundreds of students, directors, and spectators to our campus.
Volunteer opportunities may include:
- Admissions
- Concessions
- Parking
- Hospitality
- Set-Up & Clean-Up
Every band family is encouraged to volunteer in some capacity to help make this event a success.
NEW - TMA Winterguard Competition
Kentucky Horse Park Volunteer Event
Kentucky Horse Park Volunteer Event
March
This event welcomes color guard programs to Dunbar for a day of competition and performance. Families play an important role in the success of the event by volunteering in areas such as admissions, concessions, hospitality, awards, and event operations. Additional volunteer opportunities and event information will be shared as the competition approaches.
Kentucky Horse Park Volunteer Event
Kentucky Horse Park Volunteer Event
Kentucky Horse Park Volunteer Event
April
Families volunteer at a special event hosted at the Kentucky Horse Park. This fundraiser provides a fun opportunity to support the band while giving back to our community.
STUDENT AND COMMUNITY FUNDRAISERS
Fundraise Genius
February
Fundraise Genius is one of our larger fundraising efforts of the year—and one of the easiest ways for families to participate! This digital donation campaign allows students and families to reach potential supporters through email, text, and social media.
Simply enter quality email addresses for potential donors, share the campaign with family and friends, and help spread the word. Fundraise Genius handles the donation process online, making it easy for supporters near and far to contribute to the PLD Band.
Calendar Fundraiser
October
Each student participates in our annual Calendar Fundraiser leading up to the State Championships. Supporters select one or more dates on the calendar, with the donation amount matching the day of the month (October 1 = $1, October 15 = $15, etc.). A completed calendar raises $496. Friends, family, coworkers, and community members are all great supporters.
Payment may be made by check or Venmo (@pldband). Calendars and donations should be turned into the red box.
Additional details and incentives will be shared through CutTime.
2026 Calendar Coming Soon.
Colorguard Clinics
Colorguard Clinics
Throughout the Year
The PLD Color Guard periodically hosts clinics and instructional events for students interested in learning more about color guard. These events introduce participants to the fundamentals of movement, dance, and equipment while providing an opportunity to learn from members and staff. Proceeds help support the PLD Color Guard program.
Restaurant Spirit Nights
Throughout the Year
Throughout the season, local restaurants partner with the PLD Band for Spirit Nights, donating a percentage of sales back to the program. These events are an easy way for families, friends, and community members to support the band while enjoying a meal together.
Participating restaurants, dates, and times will be announced through CutTime and on our social media channels.
Kentucky Chocolates
March
One of our largest student fundraisers, the annual Kentucky Chocolates sale is a favorite tradition. Students sell locally made chocolates to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
Car Washes
Poinsettia Sale
May & August
Students and families work together to provide car washes for the community while raising funds for the band. These events also provide a great opportunity for students and families to spend time together while supporting the program.
Poinsettia Sale
Poinsettia Sale
November
Help family and friends decorate for the holidays while supporting the PLD Band through our annual poinsettia sale.
Christmas Music at Residences
Christmas Music at Residences
December
Small student ensembles perform holiday music for local residences and community groups, sharing the spirit of the season while raising funds for the band program.
Winter Concert Fundraiser
Christmas Music at Residences
December
Held in conjunction with our Winter Concert, this annual fundraiser provides another opportunity for family, friends, and community members to support the PLD Band.
HundredX
Share Your Opinions. Support the Band.
HundredX allows supporters to earn money for the PLD Band simply by providing feedback about brands and businesses they've used. There is no cost to participate, and no purchases or donations are required.
Who can participate?
Anyone age 18 or older living in the United States.
How it works
- Complete short feedback surveys about brands you've used.
- Each completed survey earns $1.60 for the PLD Band.
- Complete multiple surveys each day to maximize your impact.
- The campaign is available for a limited time each year.
Get Started
- Text ELEVATE to 90412
Or
Kroger Community Rewards
Supporting the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Band through Kroger Community Rewards is quick, easy, and completely free. Every time you shop, Kroger donates back to the band program at no additional cost to you.
How to Enroll
1. Log in to your Kroger account
Visit kroger.com and sign in. If you don't already have an account, you can create one in just a few minutes.
2. Open My Account
Select My Account from the menu.
3. Choose Community Rewards
Scroll down and select Community Rewards.
4. Search for our organization
Search for:
Paul Laurence Dunbar Band Parent Association
5. Enroll
Click Enroll to link your Kroger Plus Card to the PLD Band.
That's it! Every eligible purchase will help support music education and performance opportunities for our students.
Dollars for Doers
Company Matching Gifts
Company Matching Gifts
Turn Volunteer Hours Into Donations
Many employers offer volunteer grant programs that donate money to nonprofits based on the volunteer hours contributed by their employees.
How It Works
- Volunteer with the PLD Band.
- Submit your volunteer hours through your employer's volunteer or corporate giving portal.
- Your employer verifies the hours with the PLD Band Parent Association.
- Your employer donates to the band based on the hours you volunteered.
Before You Volunteer
Because every employer's program is different, check with your Human Resources or Benefits department before participating.
Ask if your employer offers:
- Dollars for Doers
- Volunteer Grants
- Volunteer Matching Programs
The PLD Band Parent Association can provide documentation, including our EIN and IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, if needed.
Company Matching Gifts
Company Matching Gifts
Company Matching Gifts
Double the Impact of Your Donation
Many employers offer matching gift programs that match charitable donations made by their employees to eligible nonprofit organizations.
If your employer participates, your donation to the PLD Band Parent Association could be doubled—or even tripled—at no additional cost to you.
Check with your employer's Human Resources or Corporate Giving office to learn about matching gift opportunities and submission requirements.
Give without spending!
Simply sign up and share quick opinions on brands you care about! You can generate $10 in as little as 10 minutes!