A 26-foot truck filled with mattresses will roll into Paschal High School in preparation for a band fundraiser to be held Saturday.

Paschal’s Panther Band hosts about four fundraising events per year, and Saturday’s event will mark its first annual New Mattress Palooza, band director Bryan Wright said.

“We’re hoping to make at least $5,000,” he said. “Some groups have made as much as $10,000.”

About 175 band members form the school’s marching band and other sub groups, Wright said. Money raised during the Palooza will help participating students purchase equipment and fund group trips.

“We have a trip to San Antonio in April, and we are considering places like New York or Washington, D.C. next year,” he said.

If students sell between 50 and 100 mattresses, the group will reach its goal, Wright said.

“It [the money] helps provide additional equipment that the district doesn’t provide. And it helps those who can’t afford the needed items for band,” he said. “If a student refers a customer, that student would share in the profits from that particular purchase.”

Mitzi Gray of Purple Frog Custom Fundraising is helping plan the event. The fundraiser, she said, encourages team building.

“I’d be surprised if they don’t sell 60 sets,” she said.

Gray said name brand mattresses will be displayed in the Band Hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 30 percent to 60 percent below retail value. Prices will range from $199 to $1,900.

Band president Ashley Ainsworth, 18, is planning a networking mattress selling strategy with her mother, she said. Her brother, Matthew, 14, is also in the band.

“He actually needs a new mattress. He’s too big for his mattress,” she said.  “He’s really tall.”

Ainsworth said she enjoys being in Paschal’s band and getting to work with the students.

“I enjoy being in leadership,” the French horn player said. “It gives me something to look forward to.”

For more information about the Palooza, contact Gray at [email protected].