Buddy: Accompany and assist the assigned guest throughout the evening, providing companionship and any assistance they may need during the event. Sit with the guest at dinner and engage them in conversation. Dance with them if they wish to dance. Cheer them on and be joyful and supportive. Past volunteers have said this is the most rewarding volunteer position at Night to Shine!

Candy Bar: Assist guests at the candy bar by explaining the process and ensuring that guests make only one trip through. Cheer them on and maintain a joyful and supportive atmosphere.

Coat Check: Greet guests, take their coats, and provide them with a coat check tag. As guests leave, ask for their coat check tag and help them retrieve their coats. Cheer them on and be joyful and supportive.

Crowns: Set up crowns and tiaras at designated locations, ensuring that those who are crowning have an adequate supply. Assist with crowning the kings and queens of the night at the appropriate time. Cheer them on and be joyful and supportive.

Flowers (Corsages & Boutonnieres): Create wristlets and boutonnieres from artificial flowers to be worn by the honored guests that evening.

Food Service: Help guests and buddies with plating food. Be knowledgeable about menu items and assist guests in finding what they would like. Help buddies review any dietary restrictions noted in the guest’s name badge holder. Direct agency staff to the food prep area behind the stage on the north wall if a pureed diet is necessary. Keep the buffet table stocked, carry plates to tables, refill drinks, pick up dirty cups and plates, and assist as needed. Cheer them on and be joyful and supportive.

Gift Bags: Manage gift bags by placing them at designated locations for the end of the night. Ensure that each guest receives a bag to take home. Cheer them on and be joyful and supportive.

Greeter/Floater: Welcome guests as they arrive and help them find their way to check-in, coat check, the main event space, activities, and restrooms. Treat participants as honored guests and celebrities. Cheer them on and be joyful and supportive. Be flexible and willing to fill in for another volunteer who needs a break, and address any needs as they arise.

Guest Check-in: Warmly greet guests and check them in, providing name tags and any necessary information. Cheer them on and be joyful and supportive. Be prepared to assist with other needs once guest check-in is complete, ensuring that all guests get to their vehicles safely at the end of the night.

Hair/Make-up: Welcome each guest to a salon station for hair and makeup. Chat with them while you pamper them and make them feel important. Check for allergies to makeup, perfume, aerosols, etc., before application. Cheer them on and be joyful and supportive.

Limo Helper: Assist guests in and out of limousines and coordinate with drivers during crowning ceremonies. Maintain a joyful and excited atmosphere if there is a line waiting for rides, ensuring that every guest who wants a limo ride gets one.

Medical: Assist professional EMT personnel at the event by providing basic first aid and care for any medical needs or emergencies.

Parking: Maintain a parking system and direct traffic for easy vehicle entry and exit. Ensure fire and emergency lanes remain open. Assist guests as they exit their vehicles and direct them into the building. Be available to help guests return to their vehicles following the event. Although it may not be the most glamorous position, it is one of the most important, ensuring that our guests arrive and depart safely. Cheer them on and be joyful and supportive.

Photo Booth: Assist guests in getting to the photo booth by explaining the process, keeping them entertained, and excited while they wait in line. Cheer them on and be joyful and supportive.

Red Carpet: Cheer guests as they walk down the red carpet, manage the flow of red-carpet traffic, and assist them as needed to make them feel welcome. Treat participants as honored guests and celebrities. Smile, clap, and greet guests with joy and support.

Respite Area: Provide love and support to the parents and caretakers by serving food, spending time getting to know them, and offering support or prayers if applicable.

Local Security: Support on-site uniformed law enforcement personnel by ensuring a safe and secure environment for guests and volunteers. Coordinate with local police, fire and rescue as needed.

Sensory:  Spend time with guests who may be experiencing overstimulation from the experience of the event. Interact with them by participating in sensory activities, signing, or listening to claiming music, or simply providing them with some quiet time.

Set Up/Decorations: Be available the week of February 2nd - 7th to assist with setup, including assembling crowns, gift bags, inflating balloons, loading and unloading supplies, decorating the venue, and completing other assigned duties.

Shoe Shine: Welcome each guest to the shoe shine station. Chat with them while you shine their shoes, making them feel important. Cheer them on and be joyful and supportive.

Volunteer Check-in: Warmly greet volunteers and check them in, providing name tags and any necessary information.