History:
The Chicago Spirit Brigade is a
501(c)3 non-profit
organization that
was formed
to raise money and awareness for other non-profits providing direct
care
services to people with life-threatening challenges. From a humble
beginning of
a handful, CSB now features over 40 volunteer performers ranging in age
from 21
to 50, and who represent a cross section of American demographics.
The group is the brainchild of Richard Flack, who
participated with
similar
programs in the Dallas and San Francisco areas in the 1990s. After
relocating
to Chicago, he was dismayed that there was no similar group in the
Windy City.
So, after a number of organizational meetings and a great deal of
planning, the
Chicago Spirit Brigade was formed in January of 2003.
Although CSB began as a cheerleading group, the name,
Chicago Spirit Brigade, pointed to Richard Flack’s ultimate goal of a
full
brigade that would include dance and drill performers. In 2009, this
goal was
realized with the addition of dance and drill squads.
Since its founding, CSB has raised over $41,000 for
Chicago-area non-profit organizations. This includes, but is not
limited to Susan G. Komen
for the Cure, Housing Opportunities for
Women, TPAN, Families’ and
Children’s AIDS Network, and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Money is raised at the conclusion of CSB
performances by
members who pass blue “Spirit Buckets” through the crowds and asking
for
donations. 100% of what is put in the buckets goes directly to the
designated
beneficiary for that performance, with CSB keeping nothing for itself.
Mission Statement:
To
fight disease through awareness and grassroots fund raising while
entertaining, inspiring and motivating audiences to reach for their own
personal excellence while celebrating the beauty and unity of diverse
people.
We
believe that life
is to be celebrated whenever possible and that everyone
has a duty to support one another and lend a helping hand to those who
need it.
We have chosen to take our athletic abilities and love of cheerleading,
dance
and drill and use them as a means to raise funds for the direct care
servicing
of men, women and children living with life-threatening challenges. It
is our
way of giving back to the community at large as we Cheer,
Dance and Twirl to
Spread the Cheer!
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