PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Thursday marked Missy Elliott Day across the commonwealth! And to celebrate this day, the Portsmouth native gave back to a youth marching band in her hometown.
Although she was not there in person, Missy Elliott donated $5,000 to the New Generation Marching Band.
The check, presented to the students during their band practice, was a surprise for them. The students needed new equipment, and Missy stepped in to help.
The new generation marching band is comprised of around 130 students in elementary and middle school.
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They’ve traveled to Florida and New York to perform in national and local parades.
The assistant band director says the money will go towards new band equipment.
"I’m extremely excited because I watched my father build it from the ground up with nothing, using money out of his own pocket. To have a donor like Missy Elliott, who went to school with my brother, means a lot. These kids' dreams just got a lot bigger," said Christopher Hines, the assistant band director.
The 30-year-old band's mission is to get kids involved in something positive through music.
