“I’ve been doing it for four years now and I have fun every year,” senior band member Steve Draggoo said. “I like the system because the first 25 dollars we make goes to the ELBOPA fund, and everything after that goes to our personal account for anything we want to use for band or when we graduate to just take as cash.”

Residents who greeted the band at their doors were invited to a free car wash put on by band members. The car wash will be Saturday at MacDonald Middle School. A band tradition, the car wash runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and takes in donations that will go directly to the ELBOPA fund.

Forty-five band members participated in Sunday’s event. Breaking up into small groups, they were able to cover most of East Lansing, playing traditional selections such as “Let’s Go Blue,” referring to East Lansing High’s school colors of blue and white. Instead of the chant, though, band members changed the words to say the house’s address.

East Lansing residents seemed thrilled to take part in the action.

“I support this one because they’re going to be doing some work as opposed to mom taking the sign-up sheet to school and getting someone to sign for it. These guys are going to be out washing cars and doing things,” said Deb Bohn, a first-time observer.

“I think its great that they’re a part of the community, and it’s better than using tax dollars,” said Del Chenault, an East Lansing resident who admitted he was surprised to see the band in his yard.

Even though the band’s visit took some people by surprise, going from door-to-door to raise funds is a fall tradition for the band. Sue Brandt, who works in University Housing and participated for the second straight year as a chaperone, said the traditional aspect of the fundraiser makes it that much more enjoyable for community members.

“There are some people who wait anxiously for the band to come by. They look forward to it,” Brandt said.