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Dillon allowing nonprofits to sell snacks to raise funds this summer

CAITLIN ROW
summit daily news

DILLON – To better serve lake-front visitors while helping local nonprofits, Dillon is opening its Marina Park concession stand to three organizations for fundraising efforts this summer.

The Lake Dillon Foundation for Performing arts will continue to offer refreshments Saturday evenings during concerts at the Dillon Ampitheatre. And, as part of a new fundraising effort, Friday night concerts and some Sunday events will have snacks and beverages for sale courtesy of Boy Scout Troop 188 and Extreme Sports little league baseball.

“The two groups joined together to operate as one group,” said town spokeswoman Susan Fairweather.



According to Fairweather, three nonprofits met town requirements to operate the concession stand in 2010 – the Boy Scout troop, the little league team and Friends of Dillon Ranger District (though the Friends group dropped the program because it didn’t have enough volunteers).

Dillon staff offered the concession stand to all interested nonprofits last year on a trial basis – this was to see how the program could work and if it would be profitable. However, the town considers 2010 to be the program’s kick-off and the true gauge of how it will operate in the future.



“We see it as a great opportunity to be stewards for the Town of Dillon,” said T. A. Rosko, the scout master for Troop 188. “It’s a way to give back to the community – giving back in a sense that we’re offering a product through the concessions.”

Rosko said funds raised will go to the Scout account for year-long operating expenses, and for the little league team’s equipment, travel and camps. The two groups plan to split the stand’s available time slots equally.

“We don’t have a major fundraiser,” Rosko added. “Troop 197 does Christmas trees – they only have to do a fundraiser once a year. We’re trying to find our niche. … We’re hoping this will be the way to fundraise for the year. Plus, it’s exposure for the kids, and it gives them the experience of being in sales and promoting themselves.”

Former councilwoman Mary Forsythe agreed, saying: “It’s a great opportunity for new nonprofits to raise funds. And it will reach visitors for support.”

To operate the concession stand, nonprofits must rent its use from Dillon – $10 per season. They must also get necessary permits, bring their own snacks and staff the stand with volunteers.

Rosko said his group will offer hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, candy and healthy options.

And while Rosko said he’s unsure how much money will be raised through the joint effort, he thinks it will be profitable.

Use of the concession stand is closed to other groups for the season, but Fairweather said the town will continue to look for “reliable nonprofits that have given back to Dillon in some way.”

“It will be more successful as time moves forward and we get more experience,” she added.

For more information, call Fairweather at (970) 262-3403.

Caitlin Row can be reached at (970) 668-4633 or at crow@summitdaily.com.


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