Spartans Win $50K With a Little Help from Their Friends

The following update was provided by Paul LaFlamme of the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps.:

"I just wanted to give you a little update on the Chase Campaign –  Drum Corps International reported on it today as well:

With six hours left on Wednesday night the Spartans were in 48th place in the Chase Community Giving Program - only 199 votes behind the 46the place charity. The cut off for a $50,000 grant was 46th place. At that time the members rallied. From their dorm rooms across the Northeast and their homes here in the region they private messaged, instant messaged, went door to door in their dorms, texted and called people to vote. Throughout the two-week process, the Spartans earned about 15-20 votes per hour.

However, during the final 6 hour rally, we earned over 600 votes - more than 100 per hour.

At 11:25, with 35 minutes remaining of the voting, we took over the 47th spot and about 5 minutes later the 46th spot. With 30 minutes left and a desire to build a cushion, the members worked and ended up moving up to 43rd place over all. This allowed the Spartans to win the $50,000 grant.

What put this campaign over the top, is how the community stepped up to help us. The Mayors office, The Chamber of Commerce, The Pheasant Lane Mall, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua, are just some examples of the community that really stepped up and helped us. The support of so many individuals in and outside the music field was amazing. 

I am humbled by the efforts and dedication of our members and the many people in the Nashua Community that helped us accomplish this goal - especially in the final moments of the campaign. I thank the entire community for their help in securing a bright future for this little organization.

The funds that the Spartans won are going to help them set themselves up for the future. The Spartans will be using these funds for much needed Capital Improvements including replacement of 14-year-old uniforms and front ensemble equipment, especially marimbas and a sound system.