Whether they knew it or not, baseball fans snacking on peanuts, hot dogs or other menu items at Isotopes Park over the years have also chipped in to help fund local nonprofit groups.
Ten nonprofit groups that worked ballpark concession stands last season cumulatively raised $405,731, the Isotopes announced this week. The 2022 fundraising total was a single-season high and pushed the overall amount to more than $4 million since the facility opened in 2003.
Oak View Group, which operates all food services at Isotopes Park, employs nonprofit groups to staff many of the facility’s concession stands during the Pacific Coast League baseball season. The concept has been something of a win-win for the concessionaire and nonprofits seeking a consistent fundraiser.
“Nonprofit groups are a big part of our operation and are a key to the success of the ballpark,” Oak View Group general manager Brad Six said in the club’s release. “But the impact it has on the community and the charities the groups are working towards is very important to us.”
Nonprofit groups taking advantage of the program vary considerably. The 10 groups involved last season ranged from club sports organizations to church programs to medical research organizations. The 2022 nonprofits were:
⋄ Albuquerque Rebels Volleyball Club
⋄ Dance Fun Raisers
⋄ Alzheimer’s Association
⋄ 505 Volleyball
⋄ 58 Special Operations Wing Top 3
⋄ United Fit
⋄ Grace Outreach Center
⋄ Atletico New Mexico Fútbol
⋄ Crestview Church
⋄ Golden Regiment Band Booster
Isotopes general manager John Traub likes the idea of providing local nonprofits with an income source while also filling necessary positions at the ballpark.
“We are extremely proud to have such a positive impact working with these groups and to allow them to have such meaningful fund raising opportunities,” Traub said. “Our goal as an organization is to help the community in a multitude of ways, and we are very pleased with this initiative.”
Groups are not required to work all of the Isotopes’ 70-plus home games but must agree to work a minimum number of contests during the season. The groups then split the net proceeds from their concession stands with the Isotopes.
Oak View Group is looking for nonprofit groups to operate concession stands during the 2023 season. Those interested can contact Six at (505) 222-4032 or Brad.Six@oakviewgroup.com.
