RBC Center offers nonprofit groups opportunity to raise funds by working concessions
Posted: 09-29-2005 :

RALEIGH, N.C. – With the National Hockey League and Atlantic Coast Conference basketball seasons fast approaching, the RBC Center's food service operation is seeking to augment concessions staff with volunteers from local nonprofit groups. Over the past six years, more than 150 local nonprofits have taken advantage of this opportunity, generating more than $2.1 million for their respective organizations.

Participating groups have included churches, civic groups, band and athletic department boosters, school groups, scout troops, amateur sports teams, fraternities and sororities, and philanthropic organizations. Funds raised through the program have helped these nonprofits purchase land, uniforms and equipment, and pay for scholarships, travel, activity fees, church functions, building construction, operating expenses and more.

“We have made this program very accessible to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit group to be a part of,” said Barbara Couch, group coordinator for VAB Catering, Inc., the RBC Center’s food service provider. “This is a more dependable way to raise funds throughout the year and can take the place of car washes, bake sales, raffles, candy sales and similar activities.”

In order to participate in the program, eligible nonprofit organizations must agree to the following:

Provide eight to 12 volunteer members as needed per event;
Work at least 20 events;
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age (21 and older to serve alcohol); and
Sign a contract stipulating conditions of participation.

Participating nonprofit groups can earn a 10 percent commission on food sales, and seven percent on sales of alcoholic beverages. Commissions are paid monthly, and the nonprofits can earn bonuses upon the completion of their contract. Groups have flexibility in choosing which of the 60-plus scheduled events – Carolina Hurricanes hockey games, N.C. State men’s basketball games, concerts, ice shows, etc. – at the RBC Center to work.

"The RBC Center food and beverage staff has been easy to work with and has been outstanding in helping the Cary Band Boosters achieve our purposes," said Paul de Paoli, Cary Band Boosters group leader.

For more information, please visit www.rbccenter.com/jobs/208.asp  (from the www.rbccenter.com home page, select "Fundraising" from the "Jobs" drop-down menu). Nonprofit groups interested in pursuing this opportunity should contact Barbara Couch at 919-861-5482 or barbarac@rbccenter.com. www.RBCCenter.com