Steinbrenner offered the band $37,000, the difference between what students and parents had raised and the estimated $90,000 they needed for the trip to Washington.

``Oh my gosh, oh my gosh,'' band booster vice president Becky Myers said after hearing the news.

Students have struggled to raise the money since learning last month they would be the lone Florida representatives in the Jan. 20 parade. Each child paid a $100 deposit, but families would have had to pitch in more to make up the rest without the contribution, Myers said.

The band has five charter buses taking 165 student performers and instruments as well as 70 chaperons.

``Mr. Steinbrenner just wanted to make sure these kids had an opportunity of a lifetime,'' said Howard Grosswirth, vice president of marketing for the Yankees.

Courtney Cairns Pastor <