Help NC State’s Band Program March Forward this Day of Giving

This Day of Giving, Wolfpack fans have the opportunity to help NC State march forward thanks to a Department of Performing Arts and Technology (DPAT) Challenge Gift. 

When the Music Enhancement Fund and Dance Enhancement Fund receive 300 cumulative gifts, an anonymous couple will give $50,000 to the Marching Band Fund. 

“Our Day of Giving Challenge Gift to the Marching Band is a tribute to the program’s role in providing students with a vital outlet for their creativity and passion,” the anonymous donor said. “It’s more than just a donation; it’s about nurturing a community where hardworking students can thrive and build lasting friendships. We are pleased to support a department that embodies the spirit of the Wolfpack, and we hope our gift will inspire others to give back on Day of Giving.”

It’s more than just a donation; it’s about nurturing a community.

Stuart Benkert, DPAT’s interim department head, called donor support essential for the agency’s entire portfolio of programs. 

He explained that the program’s expenses, especially travel and the purchase of new instruments, exceed the department’s budget. 

“It’s wonderful to have donors that wish to leverage their support and challenge fellow alumni, parents and friends to support DPAT during Day of Giving,” Benkert said. 

As Day of Giving and the DPAT challenge approach, Paul Garcia, NC State’s director of bands, called the support of donors “monumentally important” and expressed his advance appreciation for any contribution to DPAT’s programming. 

Garcia said that the band wouldn’t have its new drums or been able to travel to England and Wales last year without the support of donors. 

“If I could give our anonymous donors a hug, I would,” Garcia said. All the donations that we receive are incredibly meaningful. Whether it’s $10, $15, $50, or $50,000, any amount goes a long way to helping. I would hug every donor for taking the time to think of the department. Our department benefits from support like this in so many ways.” 

Use this link to support the DPAT challenge and the Marching Band on Day of giving, and visit the Day of Giving website to learn more about how you can help other student support areas in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs.