Join Marching Against The Darkness, Inc. as we celebrate 5 years of making a difference through youth performing arts, leadership, career exposure, and community impact. This special evening will bring together supporters, families, community partners, volunteers, alumni, and friends of MATD to celebrate the work we have built and the lives touched through our programming.

Over the past 5 years, MATD has continued to provide a performing arts platform that challenges disconnected youth to achieve excellence both during the competition and in life. Our annual Drill Team Competition brings in 1,000+ audience attendees, 400+ performers from 8+ Midwestern states, and generates an estimated $179,000 in annual economic impact. We have also invested more than $28,000 back into youth performing arts organizations through competition cash prizes.

Through the Excellence Expo, 474 students have registered since its launch in 2022, with 74 college and career fair vendors from 9+ states helping expose youth to post-secondary opportunities, career pathways, leadership, confidence, finance, and performing arts workshops. After attending the college and career fair, 87% of students reported feeling more confident about their future and career goals.

This celebration will also honor individuals who have made an impact through leadership, service, community support, and dedication to the mission of MATD. The evening will include our honoree recognition, Legacy Award presentation, board and staff years-of-service recognition, performances, dinner, and celebration.

We are excited to celebrate this milestone with you on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Waterloo Center for the Arts in Waterloo, IA. Doors open and dinner starts at 5:00 PM. The program is 5:30 PM. to 6:30 PM. Photos & Fellowship is 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us as we reflect on the past 5 years and look ahead to the next chapter of impact.