Bonnie Brae Knights will represent N.J. in Barack Obama’s Inaugural Parade
posted 1/9/2009 3:10:00 PM | archive
Bonnie Brae, a residential school for boys in Bernards Township, received notification that its marching band, the Bonnie Brae Knights, is among the first 49 groups invited to participate in the two-hour inaugural parade on January 20. The delighted CEO Bill Powers spoke on behalf of the 98 boys who reside at Bonnie Brae expressing his deep appreciation for this honor. Inaugural planners received a record 1,382 applications, up from the usual 300 to 400.
Powers said, “Choosing the Knights to perform in the Inaugural Parade will send a powerful, positive message to the nation’s children who are in foster care, group homes, or residential centers.” Founded in 2004 by a Bonnie Brae resident, the Knights have performed for local, state, and national audiences. Because Bonnie Brae is one of New Jersey’s oldest and largest residential treatment centers for abused, neglected and abandoned youth, the Knights performance in the Inaugural Parade will hold great significance for the residents and others like them.
The Knights are a marching drum line composed of 12 drummers and 2 staff advisers. They perform rhythms composed by their former musical director, Brother Randolph William, inspiring audiences to clap along.
Founded in 1916 Bonnie Brae is a private, nonprofit, accredited residential school for boys, ages 8 to 18, from throughout the State of New Jersey. Located on a 100-acre main campus Bonnie Brae provides a safe, supportive, therapeutic and educational environment for approximately 98 adolescent males whose needs cannot be met by their families, schools and communities.
Since all participants in the Inaugural Parade are responsible for paying for their own lodging and transportation to and from Washington, D.C. The School is hoping for community support and asking that donations be directed to the development office of Bonnie Brae, 3415 Valley Road, Liberty Corner, NJ 07938. For more information about Bonnie Brae contact the Bonnie Brae Development office at (908) 647-0800 ext. 803 or e-mail to cphillips@bonnie-brae.org or visit the website at www.bonnie-brae.org.
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