The MLK band has now reached their original goal and now have established a new goal of $377,000.
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Edwin Mulitalo and his daughter Lima presented a check to the band for $10,000 on Wednesday



By HB Meeks
Editor-in-Chief
Tell Us Detroit



The original planned trip to China was to play in the Festival of Music July 1-7,2008. With the bands successful fundraising and generosity from the community, they are now reaching for new stars! The band is now attempting to raise more than $377,000 to get them to China to play at the 2008 Beijing Olympics!

The MLK band is one of only five bands in the nation to have been invited to perform at the Olympic Games in China, this summer. With 60 members, the trip will cost the band about $$377,000 to go to Beijing.

On Wednesday Detroit Lions offensive lineman Edwin Mulitalo and his daughter Lima presented a check to the band for $10,000. Lions teammate, Jonathon Scott also was present to show his support. Scott is also very involved in music as a DJ and player of many instruments while in high school. Rory, the Lion’s mascot, also made an appearance! Edwin Mulitalo will presented the check to MLK band director Victoria Miller and band members in ceremonies at the school.



Mulitalo, a 10-year NFL veteran about to enter his second season with the Lions, will made the presentation through his “Big Ed’s Band Foundation” which supports the development of music programs for children. Mulitalo also came with his ukulele and performed for the MLK band while his daughter danced.

Thanks to fund-raising by the band members and a coordinated drive by Michigan First Credit Union (www.michiganfirst.com), the band already has raised just over $200,000. The band has until mid-April to raise the remainder of the fees. Donations can be made at any Michigan First branch location.

 Big Ed’s Band Foundation was established by Edwin Mulitalo to develop the gift of music in children by supporting the growth and development of instrumental music through providing instruments, repair, and other musical support for school systems. Go to www.bigedsband.com for more information.

MULITALO: A 10-year NFL veteran who began his career as a fourth- round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 1999. The 2008 season will be his second with the Detroit Lions and 10th in the NFL. He is a 6-foot-3, 345-pound starting offensive guard for the Lions. For more, go to http://www.detroitlions.com/bio.cfm?bio_id=437&season=10