Lexington High School comes together to raise money for band director diagnosed with cancer

LEXINGTON, Tenn. — Lexington High School is hosting a fundraiser to support their band director who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Mr. Alan Jones has been the band director at Lexington High School for the past six years. When he was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer, the school and community wanted to do something special to help him and his wife with their medical and personal expenses.

On February 8, the school is hosting a fundraising event with live music, food and a silent auction.

“We were just hoping to raise enough money to help them with that, so that they didn’t feel the financial stress along with the emotional stress and physical stress of dealing with a cancer diagnosis, so that’s just really what we wanted to do is just be able to give them that gift, and also just to support him emotionally and let him know that he is loved, and he is appreciated, and that we hope that he gets better and is able to come back to us,” said Nicki Johnson, LEAP coordinator and BETA sponsor for Lexington High School.

The goal of this fundraiser is $10,000. This will cover a year’s worth of mortgage, so that Mr. Jones and his family can know that their home is safe and secure while he is battling this disease.

According to his coworkers, he is a giver in all aspects, not only at the school but in the community as well.

“Just his nature as a person and who he is. He is a giving person, he’s a person who wants to help in any way that he can. He’s got a great personality, and he’s beloved by so many people, so he’s definitely had a big impact on this community, not only here at Lexington High School, but even throughout our town. We just know that he’s someone that gives to all things, and we just wanted to give back to him for what he’s invested in us,” said Adam Wood, interim band director.

The inspiration for the event is to honor his musical legacy. Several local acts are coming to perform, including students and small instrumental groups. And a few local businesses are donating food and beverages to support.

“Mr. Jones and his wife, Ms. Cecilia, they’re definitely both going to be there. Actually Mr. Jones, if he feels well enough, is planning on performing as part of this, so we’re really excited and hoping that he’s gonna be able to be here, be strong enough to be a part of it, but he’s very excited about that part, getting to see all of his friends and people who are going to be coming out, just to support them, so we’re really excited about that,” said Johnson.

Tickets are $10 and will be available for purchase at the door. If you would like to donate or purchase tickets ahead of time, click here.

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