POCATELLO - When spending 25 hours in a rocking chair during a marathon to raise funds, it's important to have plenty of food, energy drinks and entertainment, said several members of the Highland High School Band.

About 40 members of Highland's band were gathered in the school auditorium Friday night during the first few hours of their Rockathon, an annual fundraiser, during which they spend 25 hours keeping a rocking chair in motion.

"This is a major fundraiser for us," said Jay Ronk, Highland's band conductor and a music teacher at the school. "This is probably the second largest fundraiser we do."

Ronk expected to raise about $3,500 from the event.

Students were clumped in groups of two to six band members, watching television, listening to music or playing video games as they steadily rocked in their chairs.

This year's fundraiser is going toward the student's trip to Miami next month, during which they will play at the BCS Championship Game at Dolphin Stadium. Ronk found out about his band's selection to play at the game about a year ago and the band has been raising money ever since.

In total, the band needed to raise $177,000 for the 97 people - band members and chaperones - who are making the trip. What seemed an uncertainty just two months ago is now practically in the books.

"We still have to raise about $8,400 through corporate sponsorships, but we'll make it," he said. "There's no way we are getting this close and not going."

Ronk said one former Highland High School Band member, whose name he would not divulge, is single-handedly responsible for raising more then 25 percent of the funds needed to make the trip.

He has personally donated $42,000 and solicited about $14,000 from business acquaintances, Ronk said.

"He is really committed to making sure these kids go on this trip," Ronk said of the donor. "He knows it's a once in a lifetime opportunity."