This holiday season, one hundred fifty volunteers and thirteen musicians have one goal: raise more than $4,000 for the American Cancer Society. During the past three years, these local high school students have learned that nothing is out of the question.

Three years ago, the band began as a small group of seven musicians from the Kenmore and Bothell area seeking new ways to raise money for cancer research. Blowing away initial expectations, the band raised more than $1,700 playing jazz Christmas music while standing outside Hector’s, a restaurant in Kirkland.

Thus, Christmas Music for the Cure was born. During the next two years, the event would go on to raise nearly $10,000 for benefiting local and national causes. They started their own nonprofit organization, Student Music Initiatives, and gained community support.

Now, in the band’s fourth year, the musicians are returning and want to make their biggest impact yet. Already, Christmas Music for the Cure has raised more than $350 from playing their music at Northgate Mall for four hours on Nov. 28.

The musicians are certain that this year, with all the hard work and dedication they have put into Christmas Music for the Cure, this will be the most successful year yet.

“Honestly, I was so excited when they asked me to be a part of their band. It’s great to know that I can do something that I love and support a cause greater than myself,” said high school senior and saxophone player, Arko Banik.

“It’s amazing to see what students can do when they join forces.” Banik, and twelve other high school students will be playing outside the Ram Restaurant at Northgate Mall in Seattle while volunteers collect donations. Here is when the band will be playing at Northgate Mall, located at 401 Northeast Northgate Way in Seattle: 5-9 p.m., Dec. 19; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dec. 20-21; and 4-8 p.m., Dec. 22-23.