Picking up from yesterday –
After the auction, we all went into the auction items room, where we then were given different clipboards with different forms and instructions on them. They told us how to accept payments. We were to run auction items to various tables and collect payments.
It was pretty fun and pretty simple. It was a little funny how little they trusted us, wanting to send us out in teams of two. I sort of get it, because we’re dealing with money and we’re strangers to the organization.
But it didn’t seem like they were worried we were going to steal (honestly, who’s going to be paying in cash anyway?), so much as they were worried we were not going to understand the simple concept of “collect the amount of money they wrote down for us, hand off the auction item, bring the check back to the room.
As if it weren’t straightforward enough, we had those directions taped to our clipboards in case we needed a refresher. It’s totally fine, and places can choose to utilize volunteers however they wish. And if I were a volunteer coordinator, especially one dealing with auctions and money and such, I am sure that I would not necessarily trust the competency of strangers.
But, that doesn’t mean I still don’t find it a little funny.
One extremely nice man who bought multiple things had gotten a huge pack of Carl’s Jr gift certificates in the silent auction, and he went around the whole place passing them out to every volunteer. I thought that was really sweet.
Turns out the gift certificates had expired over a year ago, but you know, you win some, you lose some, I guess.
After all the auction items had been run out, the night was over. It flowed exactly the way our grid said it would. It was also wonderfully themed. The centerpieces were very cute and circus-y. The step-and-repeat photo area had props. I was extremely impressed with how this event was run.
Comparing this volunteer experience to other events, I’ve realized I find more thrilling joy and excitement at the ones where problems creep up and you have to solve issues and/or do a lot at once.
But, I also don’t mind being a cog in the wheel. There is something to be said for not having to think at all. Plus, I like taking the little trek down to Anaheim and getting off at the Disneyland stop (which was very close to the hotel where this was held).
So, basically it was an incredibly calm, easy, simple night. Just tie it in a bow and gently exhale like you’re in a meditation. *blows out air quietly*