Bluecoats Telethon Donors Drive Annual Fund Past $280,000!

Written By Mike Scott

FIRST-EVER BLUECOATS TELETHON A CELEBRATORY SUCCESS

2020 has brought many “firsts” into our lives. The first-ever Bluecoats Telethon was no exception. Held on the night before what would have been the biggest event hosted by Bluecoats (Tour of Champions: Akron), the inaugural Bluecoats Telethon celebrated 48 years of performing arts excellence, educational leadership, and a community of supporters like no other.

“All summer we’ve heard from our community that they miss our programming. Each year hundreds of thousands of people experience a Bluecoats program. On Sunday we wanted to bring those memories into everyone’s homes virtually,” said Mike Scott, CEO of Bluecoats. “We wanted to combine a night of entertainment and celebration of Bluecoats with an event that drives more of the amazing financial support we have seen these past several months. The Bluecoats Community came through in a big way on Sunday night,” he continued.

 
 

 

$284,491 of $350,000 RAISED

 
 

In March, Bluecoats set a goal of raising $350,000 to aid in the recovery of a cancelled season. Thanks to the incredible outpouring of support before, during, and immediately after the telethon, Bluecoats has now surpassed $284,314 in contributions!

“This is the most generous level of support we have ever seen from the Bluecoats Community,” said CFO/COO Genevieve Geisler. “I was so humbled by the supporters, both new and known.”

In addition to hundreds of one-time contributions, more than 30 individuals joined The Shield, our monthly giving society. Sustaining Members of The Shield donate monthly in support of Bluecoats programming. These 32 new supporters helped make August the most successful month of The Shield in the program’s history.

The event, which lasted just under four hours, included two world premiere virtual performances, four of our most popular drum corps shows from the 2010s, and featured famous Bluecoats moments like Creep and the original field performance of our corps song Autumn Leaves. Guests (both in-person, and remote) included Director Emeritus Ted Swaldo, Artistic Director Jon Vanderkolff, Choreographer & Designer Jim Moore, Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council Co-Chair Bryen Warfield, and Executive Advisor and former Executive Director David Glasgow.

In addition to virtual performances and replays, the event included an update on Bluecoats’ recent commitments to accomplish four Action Steps in an effort to advance an anti-racist culture at Bluecoats.

The Telethon also included an incredible celebration inducting Jon Vanderkolff and Jim Moore into the Bluecoats Hall of Fame. This induction will be re-published online soon at bluecoats.com and on Bluecoats social media. Congratulations to Jon and Jim, and thank you for your incredible contributions to Bluecoats and to the entire pageantry activity!

“Ultimately we want to thank the Bluecoats Community for their incredible support. We look forward to the day that Bluecoats programming returns, and it will thanks to this amazing community,” said Genevieve Geisler, CFO/COO.

 
Mike Scott
Mike Scott is a clinician, consultant, and the CEO of Rhythm X, Inc., a non-profit music education company in Dayton, Ohio. Mike earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2012. There he studied percussion and conducting and completed the Farmer School of Business Summer Institute. Before beginning his career as an administrator and teacher, Mike was an active performer in the marching arts. In 2011 Mike was the conductor of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps of Canton, Ohio and was a performer in Rhythm X’s percussion ensemble from 2011-2012. Mike was also a member of the Miami University Marching Band for four years, serving as the drum major during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. In 2013 Mike began work at Rhythm X, Inc. as the Operations Director, managing the business development and logistics of the organization. He was also the Director of Instrumental Music at St. Ursula Academy in Toledo, Ohio. There he taught band, orchestra, and general music in grades 6-12. Prior to the 2015 competitive season, Mike became the first full-time employee at Rhythm X, Inc. as the company’s CEO. There he works with the organization’s President Tim Fairbanks to develop the future strategy of the company. During the summer months, Mike travels the country with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps as the group’s Tour Administrator. He has also served as the tour manager of The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps of Allentown, Pennsylvania. Mike proudly endorses Innovative Percussion, Etymotic Research, and Fred J. Miller Inc.
http://mikewscott.com
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