Gaming for Good: Local Businesses Fuel the Future of the Grand Forks Children’s Museum

In Grand Forks, play isn’t just for kids, it’s a community-wide effort. As we work toward building the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, we’re seeing financial support come from every corner, including an unexpected but impactful source: local charitable gaming sites. These venues offer more than great food and entertainment; they are helping fund the future.

North Dakota gambling proceeds must be used for charitable purposes - a policy that ensures funds raised serve the public for good rather than for personal profit. This framework supports nonprofits and educational initiatives across the state, including our very own Grand Forks Children’s Museum. (Important Note: Gaming machines are only available in designated 21+ areas.)

Community partnerships are at the heart of our mission to inspire and educate young minds. One standout example is our collaboration with Las Delicias De La Abuela, a beloved neighborhood restaurant whose name fittingly translates to “Grandmother’s Delights.” Through their generous initiative, proceeds from their in-house gaming machines are being donated directly to the museum, strengthening bonds between this local business and the families they serve.

This momentum is growing! Following Las Delicias’ lead, Sledsters, located in the heart of downtown Grand Forks, has recently joined the Gaming for Good initiative—channeling proceeds from its own gaming machines directly to the Grand Forks Children’s Museum. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, eclectic menu, and community-focused events, Sledsters is more than a local hangout—it’s now a vital partner in building a space where children can learn, play, and thrive. With city approval secured, Sledsters’ contribution marks another exciting step forward in the museum’s capital campaign, reinforcing how everyday fun can fuel extraordinary futures.

Thanks to unanimous approval from the Grand Forks City Council earlier this year, the museum was designated as a recipient of charitable gaming revenue across North Dakota. Since then, Las Delicias De La Abuela proudly launched the first participating site, followed by Sledsters. With momentum building, additional sites are already in progress—further expanding the reach and impact of this community-powered initiative.

While these initial funds will play a key role in construction, their long-term impact is just as powerful. Once the museum opens its doors, ongoing charitable gaming contributions will help cover operational costs, allowing us to maintain programs, evolve exhibits, and continue serving families across the region. With this designation, the museum anticipates more than $1 million in support over the coming years.

Each collaboration between local businesses and nonprofits helps transform everyday entertainment into long-term investment—fueling not just a building, but a movement. As new gaming venues join the initiative, they’ll amplify our ability to create a space where children learn, families connect, and the region’s stories come alive. Together, we’re proving that when fun meets purpose, the entire community thrives.

Charitable gaming revenue is a powerful tool for community development. For the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, it means:

• Sustainable funding that complements and supplements donations and grants,

• Expanded outreach to new audiences and supporters,

• Stronger local ownership, as everyday activities fuel long-term impact.

We are grateful to these businesses for their support and to the city for helping bring this vision to life. Together, we’re proving that play has purpose, and that even a night out can help build something extraordinary.

So next time you visit Las Delicias De La Abuela or Sledsters, know this: your fun is fueling futures.

The museum may not be built yet, but its foundation is growing stronger every day—thanks to our local partners, and to you.

Katie Mayer, Executive Director, Grand Forks Children's Museum