THE CADETS ANNOUNCE INDEPENDENT NOT-FOR-PROFIT YOUTH ORGANIZATION
10-Time DCI World Champion Launches Independent Not-For-Profit Youth Organization
ALLENTOWN, PA — 5/1/2020 — The Cadets, a DCI World Class competitive drum and bugle corps based in Allentown, Pa., today announced the launch of a new not-for-profit corporation called Cadets Arts and Entertainment, Inc. led by newly appointed CEO Denise Bonfiglio, the current Director of The Cadets. In addition, a new Board of Directors has been established to provide oversight for all management, business, and operational activities.
“For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education,” said Denise Bonfiglio, CEO, Cadets Arts and Entertainment, Inc., and Director of The Cadets. “With today’s announcement, we are now opening a new chapter in the storied history of The Cadets by creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, Cadets Arts and Entertainment, Inc., guided by the following founding principles:
- To educate youth from around the globe on the value of teamwork, inclusiveness, kindness, self-expression, and open communication
- To create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants
- To enrich lives by teaching critical development skills required for the pursuit of personal excellence
Led by CEO Denise Bonfiglio, with support from Chief Operating Officer Justin Moore, the Cadets Arts and Entertainment board of directors includes the following appointees: Fred Bateman; Denise Bonfiglio; John Broschak; Alyssa Cimino; Cynthia DeVivo; Mark Herzing; Joan Lima; Tom Maiello; Vicki Ferrence Ray; Eric Sabach; Sam Saunders; and Ann Voorhees. Read more about the board of directors here. The full administrative team can be found at cadets.org/staff.
MAROON AND GOLD DAY OF GIVING
Also launching on May 5th is the Maroon and Gold Day of Giving. “We have been humbled and gratified by the interest in our new organization from alumni and fans, particularly during these unsettled times”, said Ms. Bonfiglio. “Donations to the Cadets Arts and Entertainment organization will be used to sustain our educational program offerings this year and will help us build an efficient and sustainable future for the next generation of Cadets.” To learn more about the Cadets Day of Giving, please click here or by clicking the Support menu on the website.
COVID-19 / CANCELLATION OF THE 2020 DCI SEASON
On Wed., Mar. 25, 2020, Drum Corps International announced that its voting members unanimously decided to cancel the Summer Tour for 2020 due to the threat posed by the COVID-19 virus. The membership also agreed to provide age-out performers with one year of additional eligibility based on existing age requirements. While The Cadets’ first priority is to protect the performers and staff until this unprecedented pandemic ends, the corps also plans to work on the same music and show design initially intended for 2020 production. The design team continues working on the program with a goal for the corps to play through the entire show by the November camp. Virtual camps were held in March and April and will continue until COVID-19 no longer constrains us.
ABOUT THE CADETS
The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps is a World Class competitive drum and bugle corps based in Allentown, PA, and is one of the oldest, most honored continuously operating corps in North America with membership from around the world. Founded in Garfield, NJ as The Holy Name Cadets in 1934, the corps has won ten American Legion National Championships, was one of the 13 founding members of Drum Corps International (DCI) in 1973 and won the DCI World Championships ten times competing as The Cadets, the Garfield Cadets and the Cadets of Bergen County. For more information, please visit www.cadets.org.
