Dear friends, phamily, and phans,
2019 is coming to a close, and we’re getting ready for the next decade as we enter 2020. Before we get there, we need to put the finishing touches on 2019.
You should be delighted to hear that the surveys from all the young people in all of the various programs were very positive! We are definitely making an impact on them, as well as providing that positive life-changing experience, as stated in our Mission. You should be proud of that as you had a hand in helping us deliver those experiences. So, thank you. We can’t do this without the continued support of our phenomenal donors, volunteers, staff and alumni!
We continue to have the second-longest streak of appearances in Drum Corps International’s Top 12 at World Championships. Though we may have dropped a placement at DCI Finals, the quality of our performance and the quality of what we provide our drum corps members has not declined.
As for the business side, we’ve been able to keep our expenses under budget, which is always a goal. But, on the other hand, we’ve missed the mark in revenue — the majority of that in our fundraising and in ticket sales for our three drum corps shows. I’ve never been able to figure out how to control the weather, and that continues to hinder walk-up sales at our events. For instance, this year at the Rockford show, it just so happened to be the hottest day of the summer!
Fundraising has become a more significant portion of our overall budget as the cost to run our programs continues to rise. With your help, we can hopefully meet and exceed our goal for our year-end campaign! We need a great shot in the arm to help us close out the year strong. This will help us keep the fees down for the students in our programs.
As for 2020, you may have heard of the changes to the design team. We’ve made a considerable commitment to the future of the drum corps by investing in an outstanding staff of designers and instructors to provide the best experience for our members – as well as our fans. That investment comes with a bigger price tag with which we will need your help. Our Board of Directors has committed to this and will be increasing its fundraising efforts as well.
You have probably heard that I’ll be stepping down after 14 years here with Phantom Regiment. There’s never a good time for that, but, if there was, that time is now. For those that were at the PR Hall of Fame Banquet this past October, you heard our board president, Tim Farrell, speak about how everything is running on all cylinders. The organization is in great shape. Plus, the design and instructional team that I’ve assembled is one that will help the corps get to the next level.
So, if there’s ever been a time where your financial support was needed, now is that time to help the organization create what’s next. Remember, our goal will always be to provide a life-changing experience through the performing arts for all the young people who come through our programs. We can’t do that without your continued support!
This is where your support becomes so imperative. Our Year-End Campaign is one of only THREE major fundraising campaigns we run during the year, and we need your help. Your support helps thousands of young people experience the life-changing impact of a performing arts education. You can help make their dreams come true!
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today at the level that works best for you. Those who contribute $100 or more can receive a limited quantity lapel pin commemorating the 2019 production of “I Am Joan.” For those annual coffee mug collectors, you can get the 2019 version with a gift of $250 or more.
Besides the normal donation methods, there are a few other areas that might be of interest to you as the tax year comes to a close. For those eligible, there is the Qualified Charitable Distribution, or you can join our Chevron Society, which is a planned giving program, or lastly, gifting securities. To learn about any of these programs, visit regiment.org/gifting.
Please help guarantee the growth of the Regiment organization by making your tax-deductible donation today in the return envelope included, or online at regiment.org/yearend.
Thank you for your support of the Phantom Regiment!
Sincerely,
Rick Valenzuela
Executive Director
