Staley, Beamer, Rucker help fund USC band’s trip to NY for Macy’s Thanksgiving parade
Thanks to the generosity of three prominent USC figures, the University of South Carolina Marching Band finally has the money it needs to perform at the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade next week in New York City.
Women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley and football coach Shane Beamer have each donated $25,000 to the band, along with USC alumnus and country music star Darius Rucker.
“We are incredibly grateful for these generous gifts to the Carolina Band,” Jay Jacobs, director of athletic bands at USC, said in a release. “Support from these three Carolina legends will help make this a truly unforgettable experience for our students and an exceptional showcase for USC.”
During his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Beamer said Rucker texted him one night a few weeks ago about the band trying to raise money for the New York trip.
“What about if me, you and Dawn put together — we each contribute and help them go?” Rucker asked.
“I think that’s great,” Beamer replied. “And he feels about the band like I feel about the band and everyone else here at Carolina, grateful for them. So Darius texted me that, and it took me about five seconds to respond.”
The additional $75,000 fulfills the band’s remaining needs, after more than a year of fundraising.
The 375 members of the Carolina Band will travel to New York City on Sunday, where they will rehearse and later perform in front of millions of people and on national television.
The university announced its slot at the parade in 2023.
The band’s performance later this month will be the first time USC will be featured in the popular parade, which began in 1924. It was was one of 10 selected from more than 100 applicants, according to a news release.
“We owe this incredible achievement to all of the Carolina Band alumni, directors and staff members from our 103 years,” Jacobs said in a statement. “We cannot wait to fill the streets of New York with the ‘Mighty Sound of the Southeast.’ “
This story was originally published November 19, 2024 at 2:12 PM.
