South Shore Drill Team Needs Funds to March at Inauguration

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China Jones, 17, of the South Shore Drill Team was excited to hear the team had been invited to perform at President Barack Obama's inauguration parade in Washington D.C., because it meant all the hours of practice paid off.

"We tried out four years ago to perform in the (inaugural) parade but we weren't chosen," said Jones, a flag twirler. "We kept our eyes on the goal. Our coaches would always say practice makes perfect and we made it this time."

Getting the invitation is one thing, but raising the $45,000 for travelling expenses and other incidentals, is an obstacle the team must overcome to get to Washington, D.C.

"(As of Dec. 3) So far we've raised $8, 000,"Sara Vlajcic, the team's administrative director said. "We no longer plan to fly and we are working to contain our costs. We're now going to charter a bus which is going to be about $10,000. Our lodging will also be about $10,000. We also have uniforms that need repairing...we need some new equipment."

The team's director said they plan to reach out to major funders, but also could use the community's help in getting 54 team members and 12 adults to the event.

The team, who performs precision drilling and a wide range of dance routines, is made up of about 300 young people from 36 different zip codes throughout the city, mainly the South Side of Chicago. Only the 50 most senior members will be sent to Washington.

After four years of practice, the 32-year old nonprofit youth organization was selected as one of 50 groups out of 2,800 to participate in the Jan. 21 event.

To participate in the ceremony, each group must pay its own way there and back.

Some fundraisers for the drill team included dinners hosted by parents at their churches and on their residential blocks.

Hotel reservations have been made at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md., just outside of the capital, where the group will stay from Jan. 19-21.

Founded in 1980, the team is a way to help young people in some of Chicago's most dangerous neighborhoods, steer clear of gangs, drugs and violence.

Each year the group of 8- through 21-year-olds, performs 125 shows, and practices weekly at the Gary Comer Youth Center, in Grand Crossing.

This past May the Drill Team performed for first lady Michelle Obama who hosted a luncheon at the Gary Comer Center during the NATO summit for the wives of NATO leaders.

The group also performed for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel during his inaugural ceremony in 2011.

Most performances by the drill team are paid events, but parade appearances, such as the annual South Side Bud Billiken Parade, are free shows.

"I am hopeful the community will come out for this team," Vlajcic said. "Here's a good news story. The kids have worked very hard. They deserve it and it's up to us to get them there."

Donations are accepted online at southshoredrillteam.org . Please make checks payable to South Shore Drill Team, 7218 S. South Chicago, Chicago, IL 60619.

For more information, please call, (773) 752-7830.

By Deborah Bayliss

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