Sleep on it — Mater Dei Marching Knights hosts mattress fundraiser on Aug. 8

Mater Dei Marching Knights Mattress Fundraiser.   A good night's sleep can help the Mater Dei Marching Knights continue marching toward championship success.
   The MD Band Parent Organization will host its fourth annual mattress fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Mater Dei Catholic High School in Breese, with proceeds helping fund nearly every aspect of the award-winning marching band's season.
   While Mater Dei Catholic High School covers competition entry fees, music purchases and bus transportation, the majority of the marching band's annual expenses are paid through fundraising efforts led by the Band Parent Organization.
   It takes approximately $26,000 each season to bring the band's themed field show to life.
   This year's production, "Duality," includes costs for custom show uniform tops, color guard uniforms and flags, props, uniform maintenance, trailer upkeep, and specialized instructional staff for the percussion and color guard programs.
   Fundraising also helps the organization replace and maintain instruments. Recent purchases included a baritone saxophone and bass trombone, while the current wish list includes a new set of chimes and a timpani drum.
   The band's current timpani has served students for decades.
   "Our current timpani is older than many of our band parents," organizers noted. "It's reached the point where even gentle use raises concerns about damaging it, making replacement a priority."
   The mattress fundraiser is one of several events that make the marching season possible. Additional fundraisers include football and girls basketball concessions, the Knight in the Woods Shotgun Deer Competition, Krispy Kreme doughnut sales each December, and the Knight at the Races event in January.
   Preparation for another competitive season is already underway.
   Following appearances in the Clinton County Fair Parade, the Marching Knights are currently spending two weeks at band camp learning the foundation of this year's show before taking the field this fall.
   The band enters the season with lofty expectations after winning the University of Illinois State Marching Band Championships overall title the past two years while sweeping every caption award in last year's competition.
   In addition to home football game performances, the Marching Knights will compete at the Metro East Marching Classic in O'Fallon, the Sullivan Marching Festival in Sullivan, Missouri, the Bands of America Kentucky Regional in Louisville, Kentucky, the Bands of America St. Louis Super Regional in St. Louis, and the Clinton County Marching Showcase alongside other fellow Clinton County high school marching bands.
   Organizers say every mattress purchased through the fundraiser helps support student musicians and performers while reducing the financial burden on participating families, ensuring the Marching Knights can continue competing at one of the highest levels in the region.
   The mattress fundraiser will be Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mater Dei High School. There will be over 30 mattress styles on display to try out, including adjustable bed frames, cooling pools, sheets and bed protectors.
   There will be top brand name mattresses, including Purple, Helix, Beautyrest Black, and more.
   Massage chairs also will be on display at the high school, priced below retail.
   There will be multiple financing options offered, customized to fit your needs.
   For more information, find their event on Facebook, Mater Dei Marching Knights Mattress Fundraiser.