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A signed guitar from John Mellencamp and four tickets to his Riverbend concert July 23 will be raffled off at Cool Jazz 'n' Hotcakes this weekend.

The 8 a.m. to noon fundraiser Saturday, May 17, will have "all-you-can-eat" pancakes with sausage and beverages for $5. Entertainment will be provided by the Lakota East, freshman and seventh-grade jazz bands. Dean Miuccio, co-host of the "Warm 98 Dean and Randi Morning Show," will emcee the event.

Tickets for the Mellencamp prize will be $5, or five chances for $20. There also will be tickets sold for a new Honda Civic to be raffled off Sept. 12 to help ship equipment to Hawaii for the Pearl Harbor Anniversary performance.

Proceeds from the breakfast will go to the Upbeat Club's general funds and the Jeff Durham Scholarship Fund.

"Our band students have worked hard to prepare their music and they are so excited to invite all members of the community to enjoy a great breakfast and live jazz," said director Todd Hartman. "All proceeds benefit band students through the Upbeat Club. The students enjoy showing their appreciation for your support not only by performing, but also by serving the food, bussing the tables, pouring beverages, and more."

An open jam session will begin at 11:30 a.m., and people are encouraged to bring their instruments. Veterans will be honored for Armed Forces Day.

WalMart awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the band, Bob Evans provided the sausage, Moeller Music provided the guitar for Mellencamp to autograph and HyCrest Swim and Dive Club is raffling of a 2008 Summer Family Membership.

Coordinator Cheree Gallant said it takes about $40,000 a year to operate the music program.

"We're grateful to the sponsors," she said. "This is one of our biggest fund raising efforts of the year. (Community businesses) have been extremely supportive of the Lakota bands."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5067 or lhilty@coxohio.com.

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