Members of the Great Bend High School Panther Danceline are doing a happy dance or at least they will when they reach the end of their fund-raising efforts.

Since last spring when they learned that they have been invited to participate in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis from Dec. 20 to Jan. 1, the 20-member team has been creatively earning money for the trip. The USD 428 Board of Education approved the trip with the understanding that all of the expenses must be raised before they go.

Lita Allen, team sponsor, said a good portion of the $22,000 has been raised. So far, the girls have held car washes and bake sales, sold items from catalogs, done farm work and babysitting and accepted sponsorships.

“Some of the girls have raised their own portion, but are still fund raising to help their teammates,” Allen said.

The next big fund raiser will be held during the next couple of weeks. The plan is to raffle off prime parking spots for student use during the school day and also for athletic supporters prior to football and basketball games and other sporting events. Parking spaces will be available for fall and spring semesters.

The designated parking spots will be specially marked with VIP signs. Allen said she would like to raise $2,000 through the effort.

Tickets are $1 each for six for $5 and may be purchased from members of the dance line or by calling 793-1521 and asking for Allen.

The team will also be selling Great Bend T-shirts that will be available with a single design in many different colors. They will be pre-sold and should arrive in time for the GBHS Hall of Fame game on Feb. 15, Allen said. More information will be announced later.