The air before an event at the DECC is filled with anticipation and the smells of fresh popcorn. Behind these fun moments is a story of creative problem-solving and mutual benefit.
Like many venues nationwide, the DECC faced staffing challenges that left some concession stands dark during events. That's how the "Fundraising at the DECC" program began. To complement the existing employee pool, the DECC works with local volunteers.
How it Works
Organizations send their volunteers to help with the DECC's public purpose — essential event tasks ranging from showing guests their seats to concession stand support. In return, the DECC contributes $10.59 per volunteer hour to these organizations.
Through these acts of service, bands, clubs, and athletes were able to travel and acquire equipment. Horse trails were improved, PTAs were funded, and the Duluth Library Foundation bought books.
Another group, The St. Louis River Experience, raised funds to keep boating experiences free for seniors, veterans, and those with special needs.
Over just two and half years of the program, the DECC has contributed nearly $90,000 to local organizations, transforming staffing challenges into community investment.
Below is a list of the groups that have received support. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful solutions arise when we reimagine challenges as opportunities for connection.
List of organizations supported
Aftenro Society
Alzheimer's Association, Inc
Animal Allies Human Society
Area Committees Association - Hermantown
Asbury United Methodist Church
Admar at UMD
Barnum School Dist
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Boy Scouts of America, Voyaguers Area Council
Cloquet Masons
College of St. Scholastica Dance Team
Club Hunters Junior Volleyball
Community Action Duluth
Denfeld Basketball Association
Denfeld Robotics
Duluth Area Family YMCA -- Youth in Gov. Volunteer
Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance
Duluth East Band
Duluth East Symphony Orchestra
Duluth Elks Lodge
Duluth Gospel Tabernacle
Duluth Harbor Rescue Mission
Duluth Lacrosse Booster Club
Duluth Lions Club
Duluth Robotics Inc
Duluth Superior Eco Rotary Club
Duluth Superior Sailing Association
Duluth Teen Challenge
Esko Boy Scouts Troop 152/April Volunteer Hours
Esko High School
Esko Youth Baseball Association
Friends of the Duluth Public Library
Gary New Duluth Development Alliance
Great Expectations School
Hermantown Music and Arts Boosters Inc.
Hunters Junior Volleyball booster club
Independent School District PTA Volunteer
International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi Omega Si
Ionic Lodge
ISD 91 Barnum --Prom
Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad
Lake Superior College - Respiratory Therapy Club
Lake Superior Youth Choir
Lakeview Christian Academy
Lowell Elementary PTA
Midway Christian Fellowship
Minnesota Masonic Childrens Clinic
Minnesota PTA
Miss Rodeo Minnesota Association
North Country Ride
North Shore Federal Credit Union
Norton Park United Methodist Church
Nu Mu Chapter of Alpha Delta
Our Savior's Evangelical Lutheran Church
PE0 Sisterhood International Chapter
Performing Arts Student Scholarship Foundation
Recreational Sports Outdoor Program/Mens' Lacrosse
Regents of the University of Minnesota
Salvation Army - Duluth Corps
Savior's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Stowe PTA/Volunteer
SOAR
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Twin Ports Division - U.S Navy Cadets
Twin Ports Pinup Inc
Twin Ports Rampage
Two Harbors Community Radio
University of Wisconsin - Superior
UMD ATHLETIC DEP - Lacross
Vineyards Christian Fellowship Duluth
VOYAGEUR AREA COUNCIL
Young Life
