Now that Westfield’s marching band has been accepted to participate in next year’s Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, it must get busy raising the money needed for the trip.

“We need a total of $450,000 to send the band,” said Theresa Carpenter of Centreville’s Sully Station community. That number includes transportation costs for the students, staff, chaperones, equipment and instruments.

Carpenter and her husband Jim are co-chairs of Westfield’s Tournament of Roses Committee. Some 11 people are on the committee and 85-100 others are helping them, so it’s a big task. But the Carpenters’ two sons graduated from Westfield and were in the band, so they’re happy to participate.

“We’re organizing the major elements of the program — the fundraising, logistics, publicity, and coordination of the travel arrangements for the students and parents,” said Theresa Carpenter. “We anticipate half the money will come from band-parent fees and the rest will be raised through corporate sponsorships, plus fundraisers.”

Ideas include a Bingo night with a silent auction, as well as a Run for the Roses event. It will be similar to a tag day; but instead, band members will solicit donations door-to-door and contributors will each receive a rose.

Meanwhile, the band is offering a variety of sponsorship levels and amounts to area businesses. The largest corporate donor will have the honor of having its company logo displayed on Westfield’s uniforms during the internationally televised parade.

All donations are tax-deductible. Here’s how to help:

• Mail checks payable to WHSBBO to: Westfield Band Booster Organization, 5667 Stone Road, P.O. Box 575, Centreville, VA 20120.

• Donate using PayPal at www.WestfieldBand.org.

For more information, contact Sarah Barton, fundraising co-chair, at 703-830-9747 or TORC@WestfieldBand.org.