Appetite for Service

Although I was MIA from the blog for a few months, I have to highlight an event I was part of this past spring. While in Cedar Falls, I was a Board Member for the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, and had the honor of being the co-chair to plan the organization's annual fundraiser, Appetite for Service.

Our committee collaborated for months to pull together enticing auction items and recruit table sponsors to culminate in this terrific evening at Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo.  I was fortunate to have the support of my supervisor and co-workers at SCHEELS to purchase a table and join me to support the volunteer center. Each table is encouraged to design their table (and dress!) around a theme.  We decided on Scrabble for ours. I made over-sized letters for each of us to wear around our necks with wood, ribbon and vinyl letters. Double-sided, the letters spelled out 'VOLUNTEER' and 'CF SCHEELS.'

Working in the event world, I've attended and have helped organize many fundraisers, but Appetite for Service is by far the most unique one I've encountered yet. Sure, there is a nice dinner and an auction, but this event has a twist.  Each business who sponsors a table is asked to provide someone (usually a CEO or manager) to "serve" the table of guests in hopes to take home the coveted "Silver Tray of Service Award." The winner is whoever collects the most 'funny money' tips.  Upon arrival, guests have the opportunity to purchase 'funny money' (much like monopoly money) to tip the servers. Servers can earn their tips the traditional way, or by getting a little creative - its common for a server to steal another table's silverware and demand tips for its return.

It was a wonderful experience and an awesome way to serve my community.  In total, we raised over $30,000. 

A few photos of some of my other favorite tables...