PRICE CENTER
As the economic slowdown continues, the Price Center is pushing back with a three-month-long fundraiser and a new move to expand the volunteer footprint at the center. Since its inception, the center has relied heavily on volunteers and donors to simply exist.
As their front desk staff member will be leaving at the end of this month to return to school, the center intends to fill the bulk of the position with volunteers who will cover 2-hour shifts. The duties for interested volunteers will include greeting guests, answering the phone and giving tours. Additional duties could include data entry, website work, social media and more depending on the individual’s skill set.
The Center is open to the public 20 hours a week Wednesday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interested parties should email [email protected] with “volunteer” written in the subject line.
“From Ron and Marie Jager and their original cohort of volunteers who created the Center more than twenty years ago to the countless others that remain a vital part of our overall operation, we wouldn’t exist with volunteers” said Clay DeStefano, Price Center executive director.
Today, volunteers are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the garden, all the art shows and related events, lighting, sound and projection services, certain maintenance and upkeep, as well as some of the concerts and other live performances, sing-a-longs, Joydance and many of the free classes offered, including dance and art. Additionally, many of the vendors volunteer to help keep staffing costs down in Shop 1893, the Center’s ongoing resale shop fundraiser.
“Most of our volunteers credit their volunteer time at the center with keeping them happy,” DeStefano said. “Many also talk about a better sense of purpose and the benefits of staying socially and physically active, which keeps them engaged and in better health.”
The Price Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit community arts, cultural, performance and event center, is available for private rentals seven days a week and open to the public Wednesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please call 512-3922900, stop by the center at 222 West San Antonio Street or visit price-center. org, Facebook @ Price Center & Garden and Instagram @smtxpricecenter.
