TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - The University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band took less than two weeks to raise money to buy new instruments.
The band used an online fundraising platform to garner $40,001 within a 12-day span, Al.com reported. The band began accepting donations on Nov. 17 with the initial expectations of reaching its goal by Dec. 15.
The bulk of the donations came from a person who gave $25,000, the school's website said. Other donations ranged from $50 to $100.
Campaigns will be created and run by academic departments, student groups and others beginning next spring.
This is the first project for UA crowdfunding, an online fundraising platform for groups at the college, the Tuscaloosa News reported. The band has more than 400 members, one of the largest student groups on campus.
The goal of the band fundraiser is to provide enough money to buy an entire section of new musical instruments.
Andy Green, who marched in the Million Dollar Band between 1986 and 1990 as a member of the drumline, said he was more than happy to contribute when he received an email about the fundraising campaign.
"Anything that I can do to help make the Million Dollar Band look better, sound better, and give kids an opportunity to experience what I was fortunate enough to be a part of just seems like a no-brainer to me," said Green.
Director of bands Kenneth Ozzello said the band does not have a matching set of instruments.
"We are very grateful to The University of Alabama for choosing the Million Dollar Band as the first organization to attempt a crowdfunding project," he said. "We haven't made any decisions yet on how to use the funds, but they will go a long way toward upgrading our equipment. A big thank you goes to those who have already contributed and hopefully many more will consider helping out before the campaign ends in a couple of weeks."