The Italy Band Boosters were successful with their spaghetti dinner Saturday night raising more than $3,000 that will be used for scholarships, band instruments and various other needs of the Italy ISD band program.

Davee Garcia, coordinator for the event said, “Our spaghetti dinner wasn’t just a fundraiser, it was a very successful FUN-raiser! The enthusiasm started in the street and carried all the way through to the kitchen.”

She said, “I am so proud of our students! They had great attitudes and served with smiles. Everyone seemed to have a great time.”

Several band students serenaded patrons with music during the evening. Sixth-grade performers were Clay Riddle, Hunter Morgan, on trombone; Jill Varner, Paige Cunningham, on flute; Jenna Holden, Noeli Garcia, Marlen Hernandez, Caroline Pittman, on clarinet; and Maegan Connor, alto saxophone. Junior high and high school band member performers included Blake Brewer on bass clarinet, Samantha Owens on clarinet and Joe Mack Pitts on alto saxophone.

Prizes were given away and four items were auctioned throughout the evening with Doug Nelson serving as emcee for the event.

Prizes were donated by Mark Stiles, Chili’s, Vicki Coffman, Target, Planet Beach, Italy Cleaners, Martha Clayton and Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee, Sheraton Suites Market Center, Flossie Gowin and Bridget Coers (Baking 4 Your Babies).

Top raffle ticket sellers for the band were Eli Garcia, selling 150 tickets; Joe Mack Pitts, selling 133 tickets and Kirsten Viator, selling 58 tickets.

Garcia also said the food donations aided the success of the event.

She thanked those who donated food for the event and Doris Mitchell for allowing the event to be held at the Uptown Café. Food donations — the spaghetti, parmesan cheese and salad dressing came from sixth grade band parents; desserts came from junior high and high school parents; the bread was donated by Johnny Carino’s of Waxahachie and tea/coffee from Mitchell.

Garcia said, “It appeared to be a huge task initially. However, I had a network of supportive parents, band directors and willing students! This was definitely a group effort, and without them all, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Adding, she said, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to those who hung with me from beginning to end setting-up, serving, refilling, boiling and cleaning. Parents, educators and students, you know who you are. Thank you. And finally, a huge thanks to our community for donations and coming out to support the Italy Gladiator Regiment Band!”