How To Make Good Money At Parish Festivals

St. Philip Annual Parish Festival

Save the Date: September 25, 2021

Leadership & Volunteers for the 2021 Parish Festival

The Parish Festival less than two months away. Our ability to host the festival lies in the kindness of our parishioners to volunteer. As was mentioned during all Masses last weekend, we are starting the search for volunteers earlier than usual this year. Normally, we planning the activities, then hope we get volunteers needed. This year, we are going to plan the activities around the number of volunteers, trimming back activities if necessary.

Below are the list activities for which volunteers are urgently needed. Some of these also require an activity leader. Some of what is mentioned below are tasks that need to be completed prior to the festival.

Enjoy working with people?

T-Shirt Raffle Ticket Sales after masses throughout September- Volunteers are needed to staff the tables after every mass the weekends of Sept 4/5, 11/12 and 18/19. Very easy and minimal time investment

Enjoy a Treasure Hunt?

White Elephant- We need several families and individuals to sort through the donations on weekends throughout the month of September. Leaders are needed to help develop the logistics on how to run the sale. Moderate commitment but a fun environment!;
Kid's Room- Similar to the White Elephant but specifically dealing with all the donations that are kid related (toys, games, etc) This team already has a leader, so no pressure to run the team, just join in!
Silent Auction- The Auction is still developing; we expect it to take up 5 rooms instead of the normal 3. Possible online element for part of the auction. Ideally, we would have one lead per room. Wonderful opportunity for people who enjoy working in a group, eye for design a plus (for baskets and taking individual stuff and turning it into a gem!)

Detail oriented?

Financial jobs at event (money runners, accounting)- Picking up cash from and running cash to individual booths, since money is involved, this is an adult only position
Technical Help- Looking to use technology to enhance the festival. Could include working with WiFi, Audio at the Stage area, dispensing and training on the Square credit card devices
Create a Handbook to be used annually- we need a scribe who could put together a "bible" so that anyone could show up and , after looking at the documents, would be able to run the festival flawlessly. Can be done at your own pace in your spare time. Great for someone who can only volunteer at odd hours.

Good with your hands?

Pre event construction- Like to swing a hammer? This might be your calling! Bulk of this work is on the Thursday and Friday before the event during the day.
Day before set up- All day long on the Friday before the event. Some heavy lifting, some jobs less so (like setting up tables and chairs, arranging some rooms, icing beverages)
Breakdown- What goes up, must come down. Although it's always faster coming down! This would be on Saturday evening, 7-11PM. Some heavy lifting involved.
Clean Up- Throughout the day of the event we need people to take care of trash, tidy up bathrooms. At 7PM, every classroom has to be put back as it was BEFORE the crowd. Less heavy lifting but LOTS to clean up. 20 volunteers needed for this often overlooked need.

If you don't see a festival activity, like children's games, bake sale, and International dinner? Don't worry, you can ask about them too. Those activities already have a leader that is planning them.

How You Can Help Now

Pray for the continued success in overcoming the Covid-19 virus, in the continued reduction in cases, and for our public health professionals.
Reflect on your own comfort level in (re)integrating into parish activities.
Look for items to donate for the parish auction. (Drop-off date to be announced!)

Please contact Suzanne Webb at Suzannedwebb@hotmail.com or 703-966-7589 to volunteer or to ask a questions.