Marching band honored for philanthropy

The members of the UW Marching Band were honored as “Outstanding Young Philanthropists” at the 20th annual National Philanthropy Day celebration hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals at the Overture Center on Nov. 16.

Director Mike Leckrone and band member Allison Galarowicz were on hand to accept the award.

Independent Living, Inc. nominated the band for its annual participation in the organization’s March for Meals campaign to raise awareness, recruit volunteers and raise funds to provide evening Meals on Wheels for frail and homebound elderly unable to afford a meal.

“For the last four years band members have delivered meals and performed mini-concerts for our elderly evening Meals on Wheels clients, braving cold March winds and sometimes snow to delight them with a version of Varsity or If You Want to Be a Badger performed at their doorsteps,” said Patricia Eldred of Independent Living.

Eldred said several other organizations that have been the recipients of the band’s generosity, enthusiasm and genuine caring supported the nomination as well. Among them were Very Special Arts Wisconsin and the university’s College For Kids program.