Colts Receive $10,000 Grant From Dubuque Racing Association

December 22, 2016

When the Dubuque Racing Association announced their grant awards to local nonprofit organizations this year, the Colts Youth Organization was pleased to learn it received $10,000 for the purchase of a kitchen trailer for the Colt Cadets. This was the 20th consecutive year that the Colts received a grant of $5,000 or more from the DRA.

This trailer, now affectionately known as the "Chuck Wagon," transformed the way the Colt Cadets parents and volunteers were able to prepare, cook and serve the drum corps throughout the summer. In total, the Colt Cadets prepare an average of 400 meals per day during their 45-day tour. The new trailer is outfitted with one fridge and two freezers and has space to store dry goods, a rolling can rack, and a rolling convection oven set-up. The entire trailer can be powered through an extension cord.

The Chuck Wagon was used throughout the summer by the Colt Cadets and in the winter is being used by the Colts to transport food and cooking supplies to winter audition camps.

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 $10,000 grant from the DRA for the purchase a new pop-up souvenir selling tent, The Red Zone.

Two years prior, the Colts received a $12,500 grant from the DRA for the purchase of percussion equipment for the Colts Cadets.

Since 1987, the Colts have received grants from the DRA totaling over $360,000 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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