Keeping track of time

Keeping track of time

We celebrated volunteers tonight where I work. A program was created, but the event was quickly changed up, when we began 15 minutes after the stated time. As people were gathered to get to their tables, I took the mic, to start a “Let’s Make A Deal” game just to try and get people into the room and direct their attention to the program. I had certificates to use at local restaurants, if they could show me a variety of items such as something with Mickey Mouse, money clip, or a photo of a dog (not on the phone). I did this at various times throughout the evening. They loved it.

When you have to be done by a certain time, things need to get cut or just changed up a bit. I did a Bingo game, in which people had to get a signature of a person who did a certain thing or had a specific experience (rode a hot air balloon, visited 5 or more countries). It started a little slow at first, but when they realized they would have to mingle to find the people, the room was bustling. I had planned to read off the name in the squares to learn more about their experiences, but to get back some time, I eliminated that part. They still had fun.

Sometimes you just need to roll with it. We were a little early to start dinner (5 minutes), so it caught the venue staff by surprise. They were quick though to come out and begin serving. Had we stuck to the schedule then we would have most likely been 10 minutes late, so flexibility is a must.

We had raffles, and other games, then wrapped with a variety of awards. We finished right on time.

Great coworkers helped in getting everything prepared, one of our volunteers organized the donated items, we all set up and cleaned up (done and driving off in 20 minutes).

Things will happen which will change up the evening, we just need to learn not to stress out over it. The goal was to have a fun night with our volunteers and we showed our appreciation for all the time they give to the organization. Goal accomplished!