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Cherryville's Marching Ironmen Band Booster Funds Success in Suds

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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - For the past few years, the Cherryville High School marching band has hosted a car wash band booster in conjunction with the Cherryville Fire Department. Despite the occasional spray in a friend's direction, the students could be found hurriedly surrounding cars with brushes and sponges or waving their signs high on Cherryville's portion of Highway 150 to attract more people to the event.

Some of the students along with associate director, Chuck Bowles, cleaning cars - August 9th, 2025
Some of the students along with associate director, Chuck Bowles, cleaning cars - August 9th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)

Generous Donations From the Community

The Vice President of the Band Booster, William Phillips, recounted a story about a generous donor who surprised the entire band. "There was a 1950s-era teal, nice antique car. He came through and gave an initial donation, and was so pleased with the kids that he brought his ratrod and had them clean the rims and tires. At which point he donated more to the booster." 

Pete Craft in a Stamey's Funeral Home Hearse attending the marching band booster at the Cherryville Fire Department - August 9th, 2025
Pete Craft in a Stamey's Funeral Home Hearse attending the marching band booster at the Cherryville Fire Department - August 9th, 2025
William Phillips (WNN)

While previous years have been successful, the band noted great success with this annual activity. They estimated that they cleaned around 65 cars from 9 AM to 4 PM. One car that grabbed the band's attention was a silver hearse that rolled into the fire department's lot. This was none other than Pete Craft of Stamey's Funeral Home, who was coming to offer a donation and have the car cleaned. 

Signs at the Cherryville High School Band Booster Car Wash - Cherryville Fire Department - August 9th, 2025
Signs at the Cherryville High School Band Booster Car Wash - Cherryville Fire Department - August 9th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)

Directors Insights

Cole Crawford, the marching band director, was impressed with this year's revenue and turnout. When asked, he said, "We did great, we always do decent or good, but I think we did great this year." The band raised $1604.00 at this event, almost meeting its $2000.00 goal.

Band Director Cole Crawford accepting a donation from one of today's patrons - August 9th, 2025
Band Director Cole Crawford accepting a donation from one of today's patrons - August 9th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)

The assistant director, Chuck Bowles, claimed a better turnout of students, which may have contributed to the event's success. He noted, "We had more kids show up than last year, and we appreciate the extra support. We hope this will be something the kids want to continue to participate in. We appreciate any and all help that we can get." 

Donations Still Welcome

Crawford also mentioned that those who could not make it and still wish to donate to the band can do so virtually. To help them make and break that 2k goal, head to this link to fund your local youth musicians:

cheddarup.com/marchingironmenbandbooster

A look from the Ironmen's booster from above the Cherryville Fire Department - August 9th, 2025
A look from the Ironmen's booster from above the Cherryville Fire Department - August 9th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)


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