These Hyacks have a tiger by the tailgate.
When organizers of the Hyack Football Tailgate Auction were looking for ways to jazz up the event, a hot high school band grabbed them by the ears.
When they found out that Tiger Exhibit – a New Westminster Secondary School jazz ensemble – was trying to help raise money for a band trip to Cuba, they decided to sign the group to perform at the football fundraiser. And a few football players will be jamming with their more musically inclined fellow students when they entertain guests at the Oct. 26 event.
That’s music to the ears of Hyacks head coach Farhan Lalji.
“NWSS has team spirit to burn, whether it’s on the field or on the stage,” said Lalji.
“The Tiger Exhibit-Hyacks jazz band will take this Saturday’s tailgate auction football program fundraiser over the top, while helping the band raise funds for their Cuba trip at the same time.”
The six-piece jazz band (part of the NWSS band program) will serenade guests at La Perla Ballroom at the Quay along with Hyack football players who are also NWSS band musicians.
Tailgate Auction organizers were able to pay Tiger Exhibit an honorarium to play at the event thanks to a sponsorship from Paul Minhas of the Heritage Grill. The funds provide money towards the NWSS band trip to Cuba.
In return, the Tiger Exhibit scratches the Hyacks’ backs by providing the entertainment that helps the football team raise funds for their projects.
The 11th annual Hyack Football Tailgate Auction sponsored by River Market at Westminster Quay takes place Oct. 26. This year’s fundraiser features a wine tasting reception hosted by Pacific Breeze Winery, live music and appearance by B.C. Lions “Felions” cheerleaders as part of a salute to the Leo’s 60th anniversary.
Prizes on the auction block include a Hawaiian holiday donated by Westland Insurance and a Caribbean cruise donated by Odenza Carnival Cruise.
Tickets are $70 each or $500 for a table of eight. All proceeds go directly to the Hyacks football program to pay for equipment, training and ensuring that every child, regardless of their financial situation, gets to play football. See www.hyackfootballtailgateauction.com.
