Make a difference while having fun! Volunteer at the Open Hearts Gala

Join us for Street Samaritans' premiere fundraising event of the year! The Open Hearts Gala is more than just an elegant evening-it's a critical lifeline that generates 10% of our annual revenue and provides the unrestricted funding we need to meet people experiencing homelessness exactly where they are. Your volunteer service directly supports our mission to intervene in cycles of homelessness and poverty by connecting people to solutions and walking with them on their journey.

As a thank you for your essential contribution, all volunteers will enjoy:

• Four-course meal from renowned restaurant Aba
• Access to open bar throughout the evening
• The satisfaction of supporting life-changing programs for vulnerable community members

All volunteer roles require cocktail/black tie attire and volunteers must be 21+. No experience necessary-just enthusiasm for our cause!

Guest Registration Team (2 Volunteers needed)

Time Commitment: Arrive at 5:40 PM (1.5-2 hours)

Be the first friendly face our supporters see! You'll welcome guests, check them in, and help set the tone for an inspiring evening. This role is perfect for people-persons who want to connect with our community while ensuring a smooth start to the gala.

What you'll do:

• Greet guests warmly and check them in using our registration system
• Distribute table assignments and program materials
• Answer basic questions about the evening's schedule
• Help create a welcoming atmosphere that reflects our organization's values

Event Decoration Team (4 volunteers needed)

Time Commitment: Arrive at 3:00 PM (2-3 hours)

Transform The Dalcy into an elegant space that tells Street Samaritans' story! You'll work alongside our team to create beautiful table settings, arrange centerpieces, and ensure every detail reflects the hope and dignity central to our mission.

What you'll do:

• Set up table linens, centerpieces, and place settings for 200 guests
• Arrange auction display items and signage
• Assist with backdrop and decoration setup
• Help create photo opportunities and branded spaces
• Ensure the venue reflects the elegance and warmth of our cause

Guest Seating Coordinators (3 volunteers needed)

Time Commitment: Arrive at 5:40 PM (1-1.5 hours)

Guide our supporters from checkin to cocktails while helping them find their seats and connect with fellow advocates. You'll play a crucial role in the evening's flow, ensuring guests feel welcomed and oriented as the formal program begins.

What you'll do:

• Assist guests in locating their assigned tables
• Help guests find their seats and get settled for dinner
• Provide information about the evening's program and timeline
• Address any seating questions or issues that arise
• Foster connections between guests who share our passion for ending homelessness

Silent Auction Ambassadors (2 volunteers needed)

Time Commitment: Arrive at 5:40 PM (4 hours)

Be the heart of our fundraising efforts! You'll help guests discover amazing auction items while sharing how their bids directly support our street outreach, rapid rehousing, diversion, and harm reduction programs.

What you'll do:

• Assist guests with silent auction bidding process
• Answer questions about auction items and bidding procedures
• Encourage participation and share how funds support our programs
• Monitor bidding activity and assist with checkout process
• Help create excitement around items while maintaining auction integrity
• Process payments and coordinate item pickup with winners

Raffle Team (1-2 volunteers needed)

Time Commitment: Arrive at 5:40 PM (4 hours)

Spread joy while raising crucial funds! You'll sell raffle tickets, manage drawings, and help guests understand how their participation supports survivors of gender-based violence and people experiencing homelessness.

What you'll do:

• Sell raffle tickets to guests throughout the event
• Explain raffle prizes and drawing schedule
• Conduct raffle drawings at designated times during the program
• Present prizes to winners and facilitate photo opportunities
• Share how raffle proceeds support our wraparound services
• Maintain accurate records of ticket sales

Cleanup Crew (4 volunteers needed)

Time Commitment: Stay after event ends at 10:00 PM (30 minutes)

Help us finish strong! After an incredible evening of fundraising and community building, you'll assist with quick cleanup tasks so we can focus on what matters most-the funds raised for people experiencing homelessness.

What you'll do:

• Clear tables of linens, centerpieces, and remaining items
• Pack up auction materials and signage
• Assist with basic venue reset tasks
• Help load vehicles with Street Samaritans materials
• Ensure venue is left in excellent condition
• Celebrate the evening's success with fellow volunteers and staff

Ready to volunteer? Contact Shiloh Capone at shiloh@streetsamaritans.org to sign up for your preferred role. Spaces fill quickly for this popular event, so don't wait!

Street Samaritans intervenes in cycles of homelessness and poverty through person-centered, trauma-informed services including street outreach, rapid rehousing for survivors of gender-based violence, homelessness diversion, and harm reduction programming. The Open Hearts Gala makes it possible for us to meet people exactly where they are on their journey toward stability and hope.

Private Group Details:

• Group Size Range: 1 - 20
• Event can be held at organization location(s)
• No Donation

Watch our video to learn more: 2024 Open Hearts Gala