IRVINE

Members of the Irvine High School band, who are set to march in the opening ceremony of the Sydney summer Olympics next year, received a $35,000 donation from the Irvine Co. to help pay for the trip.

Company executives announced the grant at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, where they challenged other Irvine businesses to step up to the plate.

“We are encouraging the rest of the community to match it,” said Larry Thomas, a senior vice president with the company.

Boosters must raise more than $70,000 to cover the cost of transporting and housing 103 band members.