The Boston Crusaders need our support.  Regardless of where you marched or played, or even if you never did, The Crusaders represent our heritage, since 1940, and our hopes for the future of musical pageantry in New England.  There are many great charities for our less fortunate young people.  My daughter Barbie has benefitted form such largesse.   The Crusaders provide a wonderful musical, but more importantly, great life experience for our more talented and gifted young people.  Their need is no less important. Having taught The Crusaders for 7 years, and having my daughter Lisa in the corps for 4 years, I can tell you first hand that these young people who come from all over the world to march in The Crusaders are no different than we were at that age.  They are type "A", driven to excellence personalities.  They are amazing young people who hope for excellence while working their tails off to represent us in the greater musical arena of DCI Competition.  When you see them perform their 2012 Show, the thrill that you experience will be all the more heartfelt knowing that  you were a part of that process.  My grandfather was a fervent Red Sox fan.  He always used to say that before he died, he hoped to see the Sox win a World Series.  Unfortunaltely, he never got his wish, but we finally did.  Can you imagine the thrill we would experience if the Crusaders won a World Championship?!  And, expecially, if you knew that in some way you helped to underwrite that endeavor?!  The Crusaders begin their 2012 Season in California.  The price of gasoline is killing us all, but especially a caravan of 4 busses, 2 semi-trailers and a host of support vehicles.  Every fill-up for them is thousands of dollars, not to mention instruments, uniforms, instructional and support staff, food, insurance, etc. etc. etc.  We must ensure that they not only survive and remain solvent, but that they are able to provide an environment that will ensure their continued competitive success, and, yes, hopefully in the not too distant future, a World Championship.  Please consider making a tax deductible donation to these great young people, and please make it as generous as you can.  No amount is too small, and it is all greatly appreciated.  I have done so because I know how important this activity is in molding magnificent human beings.  I cannot thank you enough. See you at a Show.  And, thanks for being you.  Mike