Troopers Giving Day
With fiscal responsibility at the forefront of modern drum corps concerns, the Troopers organization is hosting its first ever Troopers Giving Day.
This special year-end giving opportunity kicks off at 11:00 a.m. MST on Dec 11 and runs through 11:00 p.m. MST on Dec. 12. The goal is to raise $36,000 toward the 2024 budget. During the 36-hour campaign, friends, fans, family and alumni are invited to give in one of four key budget categories: Health & Wellness, Food Program, Transportation and Instruments.
“Drum corps is a very expensive activity that often includes costs that are outside of our control and that are heavily affected by the ever-changing stability of our economy,” said Mike Gough, Troopers Executive Director.
Rather than compete with Giving Tuesday or other season-of-giving messaging, the Troopers opted to create their own giving day.
“We felt that dedicating a couple of days to all things Troopers would be more exciting,” Gough said.
Troopers Giving Day will also provide an opportunity to educate the corps’ supporters about some of the budgetary needs of modern marching music education. Gough noted that inflation, industry norms, supply chain challenges and more are all factors that have driven up costs to operate drum corps, especially since the pandemic.
Corps administration notes that - from housing to food to member care - drum corps spending is vastly different than in years past. Tour fees alone are not enough to cover a top-flight member experience and truly competitive production. Fundraising is essential, with development accounting for up to 45 - 48 % of the corps’ annual budget. This year, the Troopers hope to encourage an increase in individual donations to meet approximately half of all fundraising.
And, what might some of those individual gifts cover? The Troopers will share glimpses of annual financial needs, starting with Troopers Giving Day and continuing through year’s end.
Starting 11 a.m. MST on December 11, you can help the corps get a jump on its 2024 budget when you give here.
“With your support on Troopers Giving Day, you can help us overcome a portion of our annual costs, enabling the Troopers to move forward with confidence,” shared Gough. “We thank you in advance for your continued commitment to our sustainability."
