Organizing Events

Friends organizes monthly special events for our matched friends in the program and waiting list events.  We need people who would like to host a variety of events.  For example, you can host a pumpkin carving event, which you could donate your time to gathering pumpkins, or supply tools to carve with, or even provide the treats and fun for the event.  Jovanna can help you organize an event for any month of the year.

Prior volunteer contributions have included:

  • Walla Walla Fire Department (pictures): hosted a special event
  • Tri-State Steelheaders (pictures): hosted a special event
  • Walleye Club (pictures) hosted multiple special events
  • Walla Walla Children’s Museum: hosting a special event and free passes
  • Whitman’s Planetarium and Professor Andrea Dobson: hosted special events
  • Walla Walla Symphony (pictures): discounted admission tickets
  • Carnegie Art Center (pictures): hosted multiple special events
  • Girl Scouts Mid-Columbia Council hosted multiple special events
  • Starbucks on Main Street: provided discounted special for matches
  • YMCA: Free access to facilities Friday Nights for matched friends
  • Fort Walla Walla: hosted multiple special events
  • YWCA’s Ice Chalet (pictures): hosted special events at discounted prices
  • Bowlaway Lanes (pictures): hosted special events at discounted prices

Recruiting

Friends always has a need for people willing to help us recruit new adult mentors. We are looking for people who can help arrange for community presentations, be an ambassador for Friends, or any other

ideas you may have, we want you!

 

Hosting a Soirée

 

A Soirée is an activity you can plan yourself! By inviting your personal friends and co-workers to your home for dinner with the intent to learn about the Friends program.  We can provide the food; we just need the hosts!

  

Wish List

Often supporters ask us, "How can we help?" The following list describes some needs we have.

 

  • Looking for businesses who want to encourage their employees to be adult friends.
  • Sponsors for quarterly newsletter printing.
  • Sponsor for next Donor/Volunteer Recognition Event.
  • Looking for businesses to contribute entertainment, food and beverage certificates for adult friends to spend on their young friends.
  • Office Assistance-20 hours per week answering phones, copying, database entry, mailings, etc.
  • LCD Projector-Compatible with laptop for presentations.
  • General office supplies- Reams of paper, file folders, staples, post-its, stamps, HP 56, 57, 58 printer cartridges, toner cartridges for Brother MFC 9700.
  • Cleaning supplies, garbage bags, etc.
  • Folding chairs
  • Resource Room supplies-scissors, glue, markers, coloring books, board games, crafts, etc.
  • First Aid kit
  • For special events and promotional events: Incentives/rewards for volunteers and children. Examples: Gift certificates for ice cream cones, pizza, gift cards
  • Sponsor workshops with people from the community to teach skills
  • Examples: 
  • A business providing supplies and a teaching stipend for a stained glass class. An individual sponsoring a child's attendance at a workshop with a fee.
  • Sponsoring a monthly special event or Lunch With Friends
  • Sharing professional expertise such as technology support, marketing, event planning.
  • Promotional materials or funds to purchase promotional pins, t-shirts, etc. for events.