Hello Friends,

This is currently my 5th year here in Kenosha, WI teaching the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) Band. I am extremely happy here with the band and together we have done some amazing things. The CYO Band and I have traveled to Orlando, Florida; the cities of Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston in Texas; all through Colorado; and most recently to Rome, Italy. I have seen the students grow into young adults through all of these positive experiences! When I first arrived, they didn't know much about field show marching, it was all parades! This summer, we will host the second annual Great Lakes Marching Band Festival here in Kenosha! The CYO Band will perform in over 15 parades and compete in 7 field show competitions throughout the Midwest in only 3 short weeks! Sadly, the economy is affecting us greatly and we need your financial support!

We are an independent tax exempt, non-profit organization, receiving no funds from any sources outside of our membership dues. To that end, the CYO Band Board of Directors has accepted the responsibility of raising the funds necessary to maintain our program and to plan exciting projects. We currently have a number of students that are unable to participate in our summer program due to recent job layoffs and financial hardship. These students deserve a chance to be a part of a positive summer program that will give them life experiences and a chance to showcase their talents with the world.

The current cost for the summer program is $350 per student. This will cover all meals and travel for one student to participate in almost 15 parades throughout the Mid-West, and 7 field show performances, including the Great Lakes Festival in Kenosha (that we host) and a week long trip to Traverse City, Michigan for our Championship Field Show Competition. Think of all of the wonderful experiences the student will have!

Any amount will help! Even $10! :)

Please consider supporting us by making a tax deductible donation to the Catholic Youth Organization Emerald Knights Band. Now it's easier than ever and you can donate online from our website at www.cyoband.org. It's a safe way to donate and 100% of your donation goes straight to the kids! Should you be willing to make such a donation, a letter of confirmation (for your tax purposes) will be sent to you by the CYO Band Board of Directors. Your generous donation will be used to help us reach out to families that can not afford to offer this experience to their kids.

The Catholic Youth Organization Emerald Knights Band from Kenosha is the last CYO Band in Wisconsin and the longest continuously running program in the United States! The CYO Band is made up of public, private, and home schooled students in grades four and up.

70 years is a long time! In our economy it is extremely hard for organizations such as ours to stay strong. We need your help to continue to offer this wonderful opportunity to our kids. This summer, we will celebrate a great milestone - 70 years. Students will be performing in over 25 parades this year and 7 field show performances, in addition to run out concerts at local businesses and nursing homes. Our band puts our community first, and can be seen at many events in our area throughout the year. Your support will keep our band alive and gives us the opportunity to continue to offer a safe and positive experience for our kids.

Thank you for your support and consideration. May God Bless You!

To donate now, please visit our website at www.cyoband.org and follow the links. While you are at our website, you can see media clips from recent performances and read about our 10 day trip to Italy for New Years!

P.S. If you donate now, you will make us eligible to win up to $10,000! If you are in a position to help us, we would greatly appreciate it!

P.P.S. If you are unable to help us financially, you can still help by forwarding this message to all of your friends. :) Thank you!