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Hometown Band collects $13,000

 

When word got out that Sonoma's Hometown Band might soon run out of money, the response started as a steady flow and continued into a flood.

Band member Grant Bodwell, who alerted the public with an Index-Tribune Valley Forum piece July 5, reported last week that contributions have now topped $13,000, inflated significantly by a $10,000 donation from Frank and Arlene Keesling, a Sonoma couple who told band president Mary Wimberly that when they moved to Sonoma they fell in love with the town and wanted to do something to help.

The Keeslings will be remembered for a similar donation to Lyon Ranch to support that nonprofit's animal therapy outreach. The money was used to purchase a baby camel, now named Keesa, to augment the Lyon Ranch menagerie of therapeutic animals.

Bodwell described the outpouring of support as "amazing" and said a reception has been planned to recognize all donors to the Hometown Band from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at the Sonoma Valley Woman's Club, 574 First St. E.