Price Center Seeking Volunteers to Assist with Daily Operations

As the economic slow-down 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.

Dianne Wassenich (pictured with executive director Clay DeStefano) has designed and managed the gardens and so much more as the Price Center's longest serving volunteer with more than two decades of service.

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 – Friday from noon – 5, and Saturdays from 10 – 3. Interested parties should email info@price-center.org with “Volunteer” 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, 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. Additional, many of the vendors volunteer to help keep staffing costs down in Shop 1893, the Center’s ongoing resale shop fundraiser.

Cindy Gratz has taught a number of the free dance classes as a volunteer at the Center for several years now.

“Most of our volunteers credit their volunteer time at the Center with keeping them happy,” said DeStefano. “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,” he added.

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-5, and Saturday 10-3. For more information, please call 512-392-2900, stop by the Center at 222 W. San Antonio St., or visit price-center.org or Facebook @Price Center & Garden, and Instagram @smtxpricecenter. 

Dave Nicosia has been providing volunteer lighting, sound, and projection services as well as creating and hosting the Live @ Price Concert Series for a few years now.