Dear Phans,Make A Donation
I hope you’ve been enjoying your holiday season so far and have had time to catch up with your family and friends. It’s been unseasonably warm here in the Midwest, but I’m sure that’ll change now that I’ve said that.
For those that received our initial year-end campaign mailing and have already donated – THANK YOU! Let people know you’ve donated on your social media pages as well as forward this on to your friends to help us reach our goal.
As part of the life-changing experience we aim to provide, I always tell the members that they will experience all of the highs and lows that life has to offer during one short summer. The bonds that bind them, even if for only after one summer, are so strong because of their shared experiences. Those bonds will help them succeed just as much off the field, as on the field.
Those lifelong bonds the members create with each other here at Phantom Regiment come with the help of our heroes – the donors and volunteers that make it happen. We couldn’t do this without you and, for that, we are so very thankful. Also, thank you to our board of directors and committee members, our members, staff, and the thousands of phans across the globe. I can’t possibly say this enough: THANK YOU!
As I mentioned in my initial letter, we missed the mark on a few revenue items this year but were close on our expenses. So, we’re looking for your help with this year-end campaign to close out 2018 as strong as can be to build for the future. Gone are the years where this campaign was paying for the past. Instead, the organization has become stable and looks toward the future with your help.
Our year-end campaign helps to keep the cost we must charge for our programs down. This includes our educational camps and the drum corps member fees. You can help us keep the dues increase minimal for the drum corps, which is only about 25% of the actual cost for each member. The other 75% is raised through our various events and fundraisers. Basically, it comes down to our heroes like you to help make the Regiment be successful!
We need your help to reach our goal!
We were able to shatter our goal last year, and I have faith that with your help, we can at least meet our goal this year.
Have you ever wondered where our funding comes from? Our programs raise 53% between appearance/performance fees and membership dues. While events help raise 18% which includes all drum corps shows and the commissions we make from selling tickets to the DCI regionals and championships (they will go on sale in January!). When you buy a T-shirt at a show or online, you’re helping our merchandise program bring in another 11%. Then there are our fundraising efforts, which bring in another 14%. (For those doing the math, the last 4% is miscellaneous that includes cash back from our credit card use as well as selling of our old equipment.) Your contributions can help us reach our fundraising goals, as that’s a number we’re always looking to increase.
Where does your donation go? It will help to keep what we have to charge for membership and educational camp fees down. Did you know that a member of the drum corps pays more than $4,000 to be in the Regiment, and that’s only a quarter of the actual cost to the organization? That’s where our fundraising comes in – to make up the difference.
For instance, a donation of $150 will…
- Bring us 1.5% closer to our goal
- Is 5% of the total cost of an average stop for the fleet at the gas station
- Buy 2 days worth of milk (10 gallons), orange juice (6 gallons) and bread (15 loafs)
The experience we strive to provide is priceless though. But don’t take my word for it – hear from one of the young people that have benefited from Phantom Regiment:
“I would not be who or where I am today without the experiences I had in my four years with the Phantom Regiment. This organization teaches discipline and perseverance unlike any other place I have known, and along the way you truly learn how to be a better version of yourself. I would not be the music educator I am today, or on the path I am in my career, without the experiences I had with this corps. The Phantom Regiment is truly special in a world that is moving so quickly; I am forever thankful to call this corps my home.”
Amanda Petro | Trumpet, 2015-2018
2018 Horn Sergeant
Plainfield, Illinois
“Each summer, I fall more in love with the Phantom Regiment. The celebrations and friendships I’ve created here are those I will always hold close to my heart. The emotion the corps produces through its music and performance is among one of the many attributes as to why I am proud to call this place my home. I will always be thankful for my time with the Regiment.”
Allison Mayer | Color Guard 2012-2014
Guard Staff 2018-present
Atlanta, Georgia
The single most rewarding part of my job is seeing that we are making a difference. Being able to see these young people grow up in front of my eyes makes it all worthwhile.
Before the New Year arrives, I hope you’ll consider making a year-end tax-deductible contribution to help continue the work we’re doing. Any amount is greatly appreciated!
Thank you for your continued support!
Rick Valenzuela
Executive Director
