HOUSTON — The Waltrip High School marching band is ramping up fundraising efforts after Houston ISD changed course, now allowing the students to move forward with plans to participate in the Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade in New Orleans.
The band has marched its way into hearts around the city of Houston. Now, so many hope they'll march their way to the Big Easy, on a national stage.
“It’s not just about showing our face on national TV. Yes it is an important game and it’s cool but it’s also a morale booster," said band member Holly Chavez.
Zulema Gonzales owns La Mex in the Garden Oaks Stomping Grounds Center. It sits less than a mile from Waltrip High.
"They have a little extra place in everybody's hearts and we're definitely rooting for them," she said.
On Wednesday, she's joining a host of business owners throwing their support behind Waltrip by donating portions of proceeds to fund the band's trip.
This is a trip that for a moment, they didn't know they'd be able to make.
"To be put on a national stage like that, I'm sure they've been thinking about it for a long time. It's a big deal. And to feel temporarily sunken. My heart went out to them," Gonzales said.
Over the weekend KHOU 11 News learned that Houston ISD initially didn't approve the band's upcoming trip to perform at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans -- saying it was "too dangerous."
Pushback from the community and then from Mayor John Whitmire led to Superintendent Mike Miles reversing that decision and clearing the way for the band to play on.
"I've been here for a year it matters and matters to be involved to be a face and to be present," Gonzales said.
The Waltrip Band booster club's online fundraiser said because of that delay, they lost valuable fundraising time for a trip that holds such a prestigious honor. These band members have worked and played for it.
"We were one of five bands selected on a national level to perform at the Sugar Bowl," said band member Jacob Gamez.
If the band raises the money they need, they will join other bands as they weave their way through the French Quarter ahead of the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal on New Year's Eve.