Fountain City Classic Launches “Close the Gap” Campaign with $35,000 Goal to Support Students and Bands

The Fountain City Classic (FCC) has launched a new fundraising effort aimed at helping college students stay in school and preserving the legacy of marching band programs.

The “Close the Gap” campaign kicked off Thursday, Aug. 28, with a goal of raising $35,000 ahead of the 35th annual Fountain City Classic football game on Nov. 8.

Proceeds will establish the Fountain City Classic Cares Fund, which will provide emergency assistance for students facing unexpected financial hardships. The fund is designed to help students overcome obstacles that might otherwise derail their education.

Part of the campaign will also support local high school music programs with the introduction of a new tradition: the Battle of the Drumline. High school drumlines within a 100-mile radius can submit performance videos for consideration. Selected groups will perform during the Classic’s pre-game show and compete for a $2,500 cash prize to support their programs.

The Classic will also debut halftime competitions where students can showcase their talents while competing for scholarship funds.

FCC Chairman Calvin Smyre said the initiative underscores the broader mission of the Classic.

“The Fountain City Classic has always been bigger than the football game itself,” Smyre said. “It is about higher education, scholarship opportunities, and community pride. This year, as we celebrate 35 years, we are widening that commitment by investing directly into our students and bands.”

Robbie Branscomb, executive director of FCC, said the campaign represents both tradition and opportunity.

“Our goal of $35,000 will launch the Fountain City Classic Cares Fund, help high school bands shine through the Battle of the Drumline, and create new scholarship opportunities,” Branscomb said. “The bands are the heartbeat of HBCU culture and the Classic itself. By inviting high school students into this experience, we’re giving them a chance to be part of the legacy.”

The Fountain City Classic, founded in 1989, is one of the region’s most celebrated football and cultural events, highlighting historically Black colleges and universities and drawing thousands each year to Columbus.

For more information, visit fountaincityclassic.com