Reno mayor and local businessman Bob Cashell announced today in a campus press conference he will lead a community fund-raising effort to develop a Pride of the Sierra Boosters Club, which would provide long-term financial support for the University of Nevada, Reno Marching Band.

The Pride of the Sierra marching band has been a University tradition since 1980. Cashell and his wife, Nancy, were part of the initial effort to rejuvenate the Nevada marching band.

"Today it is again time to rally the support," said Cashell. With the support of University President Milton Glick, Cashell has renewed his advocacy of the performing group through this community-wide, fund-raising effort.

"I have talked to a number of individuals involved with University of Nevada Athletics, both staff and supporters, as well as community and business leaders who want to ensure that the Pride of the Sierra remains a part of the University of Nevada experience and tradition," Cashell said. "That is why we are launching a community fund-raising effort to develop a Pride of the Sierra Boosters Club. We all know that Pack games wouldn't be the same without the band, and this fund-raising drive can help protect a valuable university asset."

"Our community is a better place because of Bob and Nancy Cashell," Glick said. "I very much appreciate their willingness to lend their support and leadership to help the Pride of the Sierra marching band continue as a part of the University experience."

"While we are all aware that, economically, times are difficult, I am convinced that we can accomplish our goal and ensure that the Pride of the Sierra is not only stronger and better, but that it will be a part of the University of Nevada experience well into the future," Cashell said, noting that the campaign goal is $250,000.

Glick said he is hopeful the band will become a regular part of the lineup for special events, such as at local Nevada Day, Veterans Day and Sparks Hometowne Christmas parades.

"It's not just the University's marching band," Glick said. "It's northern Nevada's marching band."

"The band is loved in this community," Cashell said. "We want the young people (in the band) to keep their chins up, so we're hopeful that people will send us whatever they can."

The Pride of the Sierra will perform in the grandstands with the nationally renowned Grambling State Marching Tiger Band during the Nevada Wolf Pack's season-opening game, 6:05 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30.

For information or to contribute to the Pride of the Sierra Booster Club, call the University of Nevada Foundation at (775) 682-6000 or send a donation to the Pride of the Sierra Booster Club, University of Nevada, Reno Foundation, Mail Stop 162, Reno, NV 89557-0001.