DECA chapters from Interlake, Issaquah and Lake Washington high schools have adopted “Ten Grands-Seattle” as a marketing and community service project. Between now and mid-March these associations of marketing students will have a chance to demonstrate their marketing, entrepreneurial and leadership skills as they help promote “Ten Grands,” a benefit concert scheduled for April 3 at Benaroya Hall. Concert proceeds fund music education for K-12 students.

“We hope to give students a chance to enhance their classroom experiences while providing a hands-on opportunity to help other students,” said Kathy Fahlman Dewalt, co-producer and director of marketing and business for the Seattle production of Ten Grands. When a volunteer from her Steering Committee suggested creating a DECA project, she immediately embraced the idea since her three children had very positive experiences with the program when they were students.

Chapters can chose various levels of involvement with the Ten Grands project. To be eligible for the grand prize package, they must complete five activities within certain timelines. Those activities, designed to test different skills, involve creating a plan, selling tickets and community outreach to promote awareness of The Snowman Foundation and the Ten Grands event.

Ten Grands is a presentation of The Snowman Foundation, based in Portland, Ore. It was formed in September 1999, partly in response to school budget cuts affecting K-12 music programs. Since inception, the nonprofit organization has raised more than $2 million.

Ticket prices start at $40 and may be purchased from DECA students or by calling 206-292-2787.