The Book Exchange, a cornerstone of the Morgantown community for nearly a century, is helping to ensure that the West Virginia University Marching Band will fulfill its dream of participating in the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
With their $25,000 Day of Giving contribution and a continual merchandise collaboration,
The Book Exchange has provided the Mountaineer Marching Band with immediate resources
and enduring support for the band's journey.
"As proud alumni of WVU, our family has always loved the Mountaineer Marching Band,” said Jonathan Fleming, representing the Fleming Family, owners of The Book Exchange. “When we heard about the band's opportunity to march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, we wanted to play a part in making that dream a reality.”
With support from The Book Exchange, the band is one step closer to New York City. Their Day of Giving challenge was fully matched, resulting in a $50,000 one day fundraising total.
That total will increase with sales from the The Book Exchange’s exclusive band merchandise collection, with 40 percent of the sales being donated back to the Mountaineer Marching Band. Available at both locations in Morgantown, the collection currently includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and baby items. In the coming months, The Book Exchange will add stickers, Christmas ornaments and more to the Mountaineer Marching Band collection.
“We wanted to make a collection that band members, their families and alumni could purchase and feel good about because a portion of the proceeds will directly benefit the band,” Fleming said. “We’re excited to continue building the collection and make sure we have something for every band supporter!”
The Mountaineer Marching Band collection is also available to shop online at www.bookexchangewv.com/band.
“Sending the 300 member Mountaineer Marching Band to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is no small feat,” said Keith Jackson, WVU College of Creative Arts Dean. “We are incredibly grateful to The Book Exchange and the Fleming Family for their support of the band and their pride in West Virginia University.”