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2011 marked the launch of the Hawthorne Caballeros Million Dollar March, an annual fundraising drive aimed at raising 1 million dollars per year. Over the last decade the cost of running the corps has increased exponentially. Each season, we must combat rising transportation, food and housing costs, while continuing to purchase and maintain the equipment that allows the corps members to put on superior performances.

Coincidentally, as our financial needs have grown, the average age of our membership has fallen. While this presents us with new and unique performance opportunities, it also presents us with real world operational challenges, as fewer and fewer have the financial means and resources to devote to the organization. In an effort to transform the corps into a financially sustainable entity that is not predicated on the contribution of its membership we have established the Million Dollar March.


What is the Million Dollar March?

The Million Dollar March is a funraising program intended to prepare the Caballeros for their role as a 21st century entertainment powerhouse. The Cabs have always been committed to what makes them unique; namely their uncompromising dedication to artfully pushing the boundaries of musical and athletic performance while still maintaining the long-standing integrity and stylistic direction of the organization.


Where does the money go?

The Caballeros are run on a strictly volunteer basis, meaning that every penny donated to the corps goes directly toward funding its yearly operations.

Uniforms
The basic design of the Cabs uniform is iconic within the drum corps universe, but that does not mean it does not evolve and change. As we replace worn shirts, pants, sashes, shoes, and hats, we do so with better fitting, streamlined, more breathable and durable pieces to keep our corps looking fresh.

Color Guard Equipment
If the corps uniform is iconic, then it is the annual, show-specific redesign of the guard uniform that keeps us intriguing. Coupled with the need to create flags and props to match the program, and replace broken rifles and sabers, the budget for guard equipment is vital to keeping our shows exciting year after year.

Drums
Our drumline and sideline percussion section provide the pulse of our corps, while also adding stylistic flair to our program. To meet our high standards, drumheads must be swapped out weekly, and the drums replaced every 3-5 years, and the delicate sideline equipment maintained with the greatest of care.

Horns
Nothing is as impressive as an ear-shattering sound emanating from a line of pristine horns, but maintaining them is not easy. Each day we take our instruments outdoors and subject them to long, hot, dirty days in our pursuit of greatness, is a day we must spend cleaning, fixing, or replacing them at significant cost.

Trucks
In order to share our shows with the world we must travel great distances each week to compete, and this means transporting people and equipment reliably and safely. Our trucks require significant customization, and constant upkeep and replacement in order to ensure that the Cabs get where they need to go.

Staff
Our success as a corps each year is directly attributable to the high quality and dedication of our staff. As a collection of educators and drum corps veterans, our staff takes tremendous pride in what they put on the field, but it takes more than a promise of success to bring them all together.

Program
You get what you pay for’; nothing holds truer when talking about a drum corps program. We work tirelessly each year to assemble an incredible team of writers, designers, and arrangers to help us to put out the best show possible, but doing so adds a significant cost to each year’s budget.


Why Donate?

The Caballeros are more than just a competitive entertainment organization. While fielding a successful corps each season is our primary goal, we have spent the last 65 years creating an environment that welcomes young performers and musicians, and offers them a safe environment in which to grow. Comprised of high school students, 30 year veterans, and everything in between, the Cabs have become a stable place to find mentors and start friendships.


Lauren Lombardo
I attended my first Cabs open house as a woodwind player when I was 15. I remember being intimidated as I stood in horn arc, holding an instrument I had never played before, with so many experienced and talented performers surrounding me. The staff and veterans were so supportive; teaching me how to play and taking the time to catch me up to the rest of the hornline throughout the winter, that by the time the first competition came around I was more than prepared. Going into my fourth season in 2011, I can honestly say that performing with the Cabs has made me a confident person and introduced me to my closest friends. I know that every member of the corps is working towards the same thing every time we march onto the field. With the support of the alumni corps and the cheering of the crowds, nothing compares to the feeling of performing with the Caballeros.
All photography is courtesy of Julianne Karr.
Million Dollar March is a Trademark of the Hawthorne Caballeros