How to Hold a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over sixty million people volunteered in the U.S. in 2007. The third week in April has been designated National Volunteer Week, a time to acknowledge the selfless, tireless, priceless people who do the work no one else wants to do without pay or constant recognition. If your organization, school or place of worship benefits from the aid of volunteers, these steps will help you show them how grateful you are for their hearts and dedication.

Things You'll Need

• Theme
• Decorations
• Location
• Food and beverages
• Gift baskets
• Raffle tickets
• Small buckets
• Gifts
• Awards

Instructions

1. Choose a theme for your luncheon. This will help you purchase or make decorations, gifts, food and invitations. Some appropriate themes include: "Volunteering is a Work of Heart" (you can stock up on Valentine's Day decorations for a heart motif); "Volunteers are an Essential Piece" using a puzzle theme or "Our Volunteers are Stars" incorporating a simple yet lovely star design.

2. Secure a location at least one month in advance. Chances are, if you are an organization that relies on volunteers, you do not have a large budget for this event. Find a location that will not charge you, such as a school, church or community building.

3. Hire a caterer. You will need to know in advance if the location has a kitchen available, as some caterers will require the use of one. Again, you may be on a tight budget; when you call caterers, explain what the event is. They might offer you a discounted rate or help you create a menu that fits your price range.

4. Ask a leader from your organization to speak at the luncheon. This presenter should about how important these volunteers are and that they make it possible for everyone else in the organization to do their jobs. Ask other (normally paid) staff members to volunteer their time at the luncheon decorating, serving food and beverages, presenting gifts and prizes and cleaning up.

5. Create fun gift baskets to raffle. Ask for donations of gift basket items from local businesses. Give each volunteer five or ten tickets upon arrival and allow them to divvy them up, placing tickets in the bucket or buckets that correspond with the basket they would like to win. Give each volunteer a gift at his or her place settings. Consider providing awards for achievements such as length of service and hours volunteered this year.

Tips & Warnings

• Invite volunteers to bring their spouses or a guest to the luncheon.

• Don't hand out awards without asking the opinions of several volunteers and gauging their responses. The personality of many volunteers is such that they are not comfortable receiving individual public praise. Make sure your volunteers feel honored.

Resources

• Volunteer survival kits make cute gifts