Gina Rose Montalto Foundation Donates to Eagle Regiment. {Tony Montalto}
By Bryan Boggiano
The Gina Rose Montalto Foundation has donated $17,000 to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Eagle Regiment in preparation for their performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November.
The foundation announced the donation Tuesday, which they made through a grant, to help offset any costs related to travel or any other trip component.
Gina was a member of the Eagle Regiment and was part of the 2017 Florida state championship group. In a joint statement, her parents, Tony and Jennifer Montalto, said she enjoyed the challenge of new routines, the costumes, and the camaraderie of the group.
The Gina Rose Montalto Foundation presenting a check to the Eagle Regiment {Tony Montalto}
“Our family is grateful to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Eagle Regiment for their continued efforts to keep our wonderful daughter Gina’s legacy as part of the group culture,” they said.
According to Tony, The Eagle Regiment was among the first to recognize the importance of Gina’s legacy and to keep that legacy going, and Band Director Steve Rivero has been monumental in those efforts.
Since the 2018 school shooting, each year, a member of the color guard team receives the Gina Montalto-Spirit of Color Guard Award, which is displayed at the school.
Jennifer and Tony said this is significant to both the recipients and their families because the students are recognized as a reflection of Gina’s loving spirit.
The Eagle Regiment also designed a special marching flag in honor of Montalto and Alex Schachter, with a blue rose in Montalto’s memory and a trombone for Schachter.
Anthony Montalto and Olivia Baker hold the memorial flag for Gina Montalto and Alex Schachter {Tony Montalto}
In April 2022, Macy’s parade organizers announced the Eagle Regiment as a performer at the annual Thanksgiving parade, marking their first appearance. They were among over 100 applicants, each vying for one of ten spots for marching bands.
Eagle Regiment continues raising Funds for the parade, which Tony and Jennifer are excited about for everybody involved.
“We are pleased to contribute to this memorable experience for the members of the Eagle Regiment, and we are excited to see the performance at one of our nation’s premier events.”
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