As the Chase Community Giving campaign comes to a close, we’d like to give thanks to the drum corps community, for uniting in support of the efforts of Carolina Crown, the Cavaliers, the Colts and Phantom Regiment. Though it doesn’t look like a drum corps will break into the top 6 prize-winning charities, the efforts by fans around the world to get out the vote have made it clear: support for drum corps runs deep.
The contest was a simple one. Vote for the charities of your choice, with the top 100 vote-getters receiving $25,000 and a shot at more. In these tough economic times, that’s not pocket change to any charity, especially not for a drum corps. In our activity, $25,000 is good for replacing an aging souvenir trailer with a new one, covering the fuel costs for almost half a season, or buying many meals for the cook truck. For one drum corps to receive a donation of that size would be impressive. For four corps to make the cut is simply outstanding.
But drum corps fans took it one step further–all four drum corps stayed in the hunt during round two, thanks to a concerted effort by the fans to get out the vote not just for their favorite corps, but for the other three in the race as well. That’s a show of solidarity that no other charities brought to the table. Drum corps fans went out and made it clear that our activity isn’t about competing against the other corps; it’s about competing with the other corps. Whether your corps colors are red and black, green or cream, every corps gets the same applause and support. It’s another way our activity is unique among the arts.
Thank you for supporting music enrichment, for supporting the performers and for supporting an activity that teaches lessons of camaraderie, excellence, hard work and sportsmanship like none other. Thank you for voting!
See you down the road this summer, From the members, volunteers, staff and management of…
Carolina Crown
The Cavaliers
The Colts
Phantom Regiment
