Backyard Brawl: Cavaliers, Regiment Raise $60,000

Wednesday, August 1st, 2012 - 2:04 PM
By Christopher Lugo

The Cavaliers and Phantom Regiment Raise $60,000

The inaugural Backyard Brawl fundraising challenge between The Cavaliers and Phantom Regiment came to an exciting finish after 19 days of close competition.

Once the dust had settled and the totals were confirmed, just $3,704.57 separated the two Illinois rivals at the final announcement during DCI's Southeastern Championship held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Saturday, July 28, 2012.

Phantom Regiment pulled out an impressive come-from-behind win with a total of $32,217 in donations, while The Cavaliers trailed closely behind with $28,512.43 raised during the 19-day effort.

"Congratulations to Phantom Regiment," said corps director Adolph DeGrauwe. "The Backyard Brawl was a fun way for both organizations to connect with our supporters in a competition off the field." A combined total of $60,729.43 in donations were generated during the campaign, which will have an immediate effect on each corps' operations and mission.

"We want to thank the more than 200 donors to The Cavaliers during the Backyard Brawl, especially our alumni, fans and family who all stepped up in a big way" added DeGrauwe.

Since The Cavaliers finished behind Rockford's Phantom Regiment, Chris Lugo (Board of Directors, FMM 2002-2005) was subjected to wearing the Phantom helmet live on camera and in front of 16,000 drum corps fans in Atlanta. "This fundraising challenge was a HUGE success," said Lugo. "However, we need to make sure it is a Phantom representative wearing one of OUR hats after next summer's Backyard Brawl!"

The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps would like to once again thank all those involved with the Backyard Brawl, as well as the many supporters and donors who helped generate $28,512.43 -- This was truly one of the Green Machine's best fundraising efforts in our history!

Founded in 1948, The Cavaliers are one of the most successful drum and bugle corps in history, winning 20 national championships, including seven Drum Corps International world championships since 1992. Each summer, 150 male brass, percussion and color guard performers aged 16-22 present a marching music show considered among the most challenging and original in the world.

The group performs at more than 30 competitions across the US and for more than 100,000 fans. Along the way, the young men not only learn about music and performing, but have a life-changing experience based on excellence, teamwork and camaraderie.

The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization sponsored by The Village of Rosemont, Illinois.