soccerguy315 Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Just curious. When was this? So many corps and winter programs have had issues with money and kids paying or fundraising. A different world from years past, thats for sure ! judging by the poster's signature, it was probably 77-80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piper Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 It might also be helpful to tell the kids what they're raising the money for. Just topping the tanks off on tour can cost thousands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corpsband Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 I really hope Surf gets the word out. The greater Philadelphia region is home to a HUGE number of marching programs (on any given Fall weekend programs can compete in one of three circuits !!) -- it really shouldn't be a challenge to fill out the corps IF the message reaches all those programs and kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindap Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 judging by the poster's signature, it was probably 77-80 I started fund raising for drum corps in 1970. We, the members, had fall walk-a-thons, sold fertilizer in spring, annual tried and true events that proved successful. If I recall, the top seller would be compensated with reduced fees. I joined AAG fall of 76. Members started as young as 10 years old; we had 2 corps. Members rarely marched past 17 or 18 years old. Fund raising was year round. Keep in mind you had to be 18 for casino, bingo and raffle initiatives. Pam and I were co-DMs, visual staff and over 18 so we worked the raffle to offset our fees. We also had full time jobs to pay for 77 tour (10 weeks in Europe). Monthly fees and tour fees were separate. Parents were given a list of volunteer opportunities at registration and every monthly newsletter included additional opportunities. One family had 5 girls march over the years. Another family had 3 girls. In 1977, we had approx. 12 sets of siblings in the A corps. It was in the best interest for multiple sibling families to contribute time, services or goods (50 loaves of fresh bread first day of tour) to reduce their fees. From 1979-1988 (most years), I was treasurer and/or secretary for a winter guard circuit, a different fund raising formula. It was like a cooperative. I once donated a quilt for a guard contest; 50 cents per raffle ticket netted $40. I never did that again. Too much investment for a nominal return. The bonus was the winner thanking me for the beautiful quilt. Over the past 25 years, I've been chair, secretary or treasurer for a number of not-for-profits. We've dabbled with various fund raisers but found that annual events held in fall and spring provide clear expectations and timelines. We also announce what the funds are for. In 2005, the school band concert was so popular, it was standing room only. That night we announced the adopt a chair campaign and accepted donations after the concert. The following year we had more chairs. I know a number of people who work at casinos every 2 years regardless if their child uses the service or not. They have fun, enjoy each others' company and don't have volunteer burnout. Wishing all the best to Jersey Surf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotoSurfBass Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Hey guys, Being a veteran in the Jersey Surf this year, I was fortunate enough to (along with my fellow vets) speak with Bob J. via conference call about this program before it was announced. Obviously, I can't talk about EVERYTHING we talked about, but if anyone has any questions about this, I can try to answer them. Personally, I have a really good feeling about this. It may be a little late to grab a lot of members this year, but next year I'd expect auditions to skyrocket. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daave Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 I think Marx would be proud of this proposal, though some might argue that Marx borrowed the concept from another source. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stu Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Hey guys, Being a veteran in the Jersey Surf this year, I was fortunate enough to (along with my fellow vets) speak with Bob J. via conference call about this program before it was announced. Obviously, I can't talk about EVERYTHING we talked about, but if anyone has any questions about this, I can try to answer them. Personally, I have a really good feeling about this. It may be a little late to grab a lot of members this year, but next year I'd expect auditions to skyrocket. Question: What are you going to do when most members march for little to no dues, or for free, and Surf is not able to collect funding in "arrears" through fund raising? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garfield Posted April 2, 2011 Author Share Posted April 2, 2011 (edited) Bob Jacobs has a loving heart, no doubt!!! However, with all due respect to Bob, and I really mean that, the best way to "look out for the kids" is to keep the corps financially solvent (not) try to offer a musical national DCI tour experience without first having viable funding. This is a huge, real huge, risk because if 120 - 150 kids cannot raise enough operational revenue through the various funding ideas he proposes, and they all only pay dues on "what they can afford", they will end up being out on the road with no money for food, fuel, and insurance. Moreover, this has a high probability of causing jealousy friction amongst members because of the lack of equability of membership dues (member A pays $2000 while member B only pays $50). Again with all respect to Bob, this is "not" how to run a business, which is the demise of most corps', and therefore "not" the best way to look out for the kids. Stu, with all due respect, I think you fail to recognize that Jacobs has been taking the corps on the road for a lot of years (over 15, I think). He deserves the benefit of the doubt, IMO, that if his plan fails he'll not take the kids on the road with half a loaf of bread or no insurance. He's not a newbie director with only stars in his eyes and a big heart to do good for the kids. He's also a businessman who understands the risks he's taking. Instead of presuming jealousy on the part of the kids who pay full price, imagine instead that they see a very talented musician who can't afford the fees up front and are willing to "share" their fees in order that he/she can march with them. Remember that Surf is not a full-tour corps. The kids who march there surely are among the most dedicated, knowing they'll likely not contend for a medal, and won't have a full tour. Because of the nature of the corps and the kids who must balance work and marching, I've heard stories of many of Surf's MM showing up to leave for tour still in their work uniforms (think McDonalds and the like) having just gotten off their final shift before the buses pull out. These kids are determined to march, and they don't seem to fit the mold of selfish-jealousy, while exceptions surely exist. One other thought: Surf has, I think, a two week break between their tours. Time for many MM's to get in a few more hours slinging burgers, and for staff to crank up the fund-raising machines to get out on second tour. I would also suspect that, if sufficient funds aren't raised, the second tour can - grudgingly - be cancelled. Above all, Jacobs and staff demonstrate yearly that their goal is to provide the experience to kids who usually have to choose between working and marching. IMHO, Surf needs accolades and support - not finger-pointing at obvious potential problems - to keep their model open to kids who otherwise would have no choice but to work instead of march. When a bus breaks down the stronger ones get behind and push without regard to who's not quite as able. That lesson is as much evident in Surf's model of developing its kids as is playing for a trophy. Just my .02, but I sure don't want to be the one standing in front of the bus and pushing the other way... Edited April 2, 2011 by garfield Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted April 2, 2011 Share Posted April 2, 2011 Bob Jacobs has a loving heart, no doubt!!! However, with all due respect to Bob, and I really mean that, the best way to "look out for the kids" is to keep the corps financially solvent (not) try to offer a musical national DCI tour experience without first having viable funding. This is a huge, real huge, risk because if 120 - 150 kids cannot raise enough operational revenue through the various funding ideas he proposes, and they all only pay dues on "what they can afford", they will end up being out on the road with no money for food, fuel, and insurance. Moreover, this has a high probability of causing jealousy friction amongst members because of the lack of equability of membership dues (member A pays $2000 while member B only pays $50). Again with all respect to Bob, this is "not" how to run a business, which is the demise of most corps', and therefore "not" the best way to look out for the kids. With all due respect to yourself, Stu, Bob Jacobs isn't a drum corps rookie and he has maintained his corps' viability through a lot of years. I'm reasonably confident that he isn't going to put his kids into a bad situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garfield Posted April 2, 2011 Author Share Posted April 2, 2011 Question: What are you going to do when most members march for little to no dues, or for free, and Surf is not able to collect funding in "arrears" through fund raising? Remember "Random Finals Drawing"? There's your answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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