Record-setting night for Hastings Public Schools

HASTINGS, Neb. --

Imagine playing a sport at a high level with a worn out ball with decades of use.

It's similar to what some students at Hastings High School have to deal with.

The talent was on full display at the Hastings Public Schools Foundation spring fundraising event, as organizers are looking to upgrade the current equipment used by up and coming musicians.

A record crowd filled the Hastings City Auditorium, finding new and fun ways to raise money for the kids who want to hit those melodies, and may not otherwise have the opportunity.

"In our district, socioeconomic wise, there are students who aren't able to be in band or orchestra," said Hastings Public Schools Foundation Executive Director, Chris Schukei. "So if we can increase the amount of school owned instruments, and the quality, then every child wants that wants to be part of this is going to be able to participate."

To say the current tune-makers are outdated is an understatement.

One of which is lucky to still be in one piece considering it could have been melted down or parceled off for use during the last World War.

"There's a tuba that's 100 years old, that's in use," said Schukei. "It's dented, it's tough, and it just makes it for our young musicians that much harder."

Even a novice to music is able to see the elderly nature of some of those antique items.

"If we can provide some quality new instruments that will last for the next 40 or 50 years, it will be awesome," said Schukei.

The event raised around $115,000 for the HPS Foundation.

NCN's Dave Griek and Colleen Williams were the hosts for the evening.