While the decision to take a season off, isn't a desirable option, the

Pride Youth Development Foundation's (PYDF) Board of Directors remains very focused on the long term vitality and financial health of the Pride organization. As a result, the board unanimously agreed at their May 16th meeting, that it is in the best long term interest of the organization not to field a competitive unit for the 2011 season.

 

Ryan Alm, Chair of the Pride Youth Development Foundation stated: "This decision was especially difficult following the unforgettable accomplishments of our 2010 cast and staff and the tremendous support we received from our fans, but the reality is that the landscape of fundraising has changed in the current economic environment. Our bingo, located @ 1233 Symmes Road in Fairfield, OH, has experienced recent declines in attendance and a sustained decrease in revenue as people’s disposable income has been impacted by high unemployment in the area.” Alm adds "We're committed to offering a true world-class product to our fans, members and staff, every year we take the floor, and it takes a substantial amount of money to ensure that proven quality of our product and trademark of our brand. It’s more than just fielding a color guard for us, it’s about putting out a product that sets standards in every aspect of our operation and provides an elite educational experience for our membership with the best of instruction and resources afforded to them. We are committed to preserving that experience for many years beyond 2011" says Alm. "This decision, as undesirable as it is, helps ensure that Pride can do just that for many years beyond next year." 

The PYDF board continues to exercise prudence in their fiduciary responsibilities and commitment to the long-term success of the Pride organization. “The overall financial health of the organization remains strong. We remain debt free and have an investment portfolio that is recovering with the rebounding stock market, and that’s the way we want to keep it. While we could risk fielding a guard next season in hopes of an improving economy, a turnaround in bingo income, and no unexpected expenditures,  that decision could prove fatal to our board’s primary objective, keeping Pride alive for decades not just one more year”, says Alm.

Pride has taken three other absences from competition in the past, most recently in 2009, when they returned to win the Fan’s Favorite Award and Bronze medal @ the WGI World Class Championships in 2010 and before that in 2000 when they returned in 2001 to claim their first of three World Class Championships of the decade. " This organization has demonstrated the ability to return in full strength following an off-season and we look forward to proving that again in 2012!