Colts Receive $10,000 Grant From Dubuque Racing Association

July 10, 2015

When the Dubuque Racing Association announced their grant awards to local nonprofit organizations just before summer, the Colts Youth Organization was pleased to learn it received $10,000 for the rebranding of the Colts Merchandise Marketplace -- a transformation of our souvenir operation from a concessions-style trailer to a pop up tent with display racks.

The new configuration allows customers to have a more interactive buying experience thereby boosting sales. This was the 19th consecutive year that the Colts received a grant of $5,000 or more from the DRA.

The Red Zone made its debut at the Colts Summer Premiere at the University of Dubuque's Chalmers Field on Thursday, June 18th.

While it's hard to project the exact impact on sales, the upgraded marketplace will do a better job of positioning the Colts brand in the crowded corps merchandise areas. The corps also sees the Red Zone as an opportunity to increase recruiting as well among musicians and performers who will be looking to join a drum corps in 2016.

The Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) is the nonprofit license holder for the Mystique and Diamond Jo casinos. Grants have been offered to area nonprofit organizations through a competitive submission process since 1985.

Last year, the Colts received a $12,500 grant from the DRA for the purchase of percussion equipment for the Colts Cadets.

The two years prior, the DRA awarded the Colts the maximum amount offered with $40,000 in 2012 to purchase all-new uniforms for both the Colts and Colt Cadets, and $25,000 in 2013 for the completion of a new roof on the Colts Center at 11th & Central in downtown Dubuque.

Since 1987, the Colts have received grants from the DRA totaling over $350,000 for new instruments, uniforms, vehicles and trailers, computers and other equipment, and building improvements.

Thank you to the DRA for continuing to support the vision of the Colts Youth Organization and our mission to "use music & excellence to teach other about success in life."

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