Day of Event Volunteer Opportunities Lauren.beecher@cancer.org Chicago, IL 60101
American Cancer Society History & Mission Founded in 1913, the American Cancer Society is the nation s largest community based voluntary health organization and has played a role in virtually every groundbreaking cancer advance realized. With volunteers as its backbone, the Society tackles all cancers on all fronts to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. Recent Accomplishments The American Cancer Society s Patient Navigation Services continues to expand with new centers at health care facilities throughout Illinois. In just six years we have created a statewide support network serving an estimated 34,000 cancer patients and families yearly. Thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors, all services are free. All told, our cancer-fighting efforts since the 1990s have helped save nearly 350 lives per day. Research The Society is the largest non-governmental source of cancer research funding in the United States. Through the years, 47 American Cancer Society funded scientists have won the Nobel Prize. Today, more than $21 million in American Cancer Society research grants are in progress in Illinois at institutions such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University and Loyola University Medical Center. Education We reach out to millions in Illinois each year with good news that most cancer can be prevented by making healthy choices every day. We partner with cities, towns, community groups, schools, faith organizations, corporations and others to bring practical, cancer fighting information to people nationwide. Advocacy American Cancer Society advocates and grassroots volunteers give cancer a voice and face by promoting effective cancer policies and legislation at the federal, state and local levels. Current advocacy efforts include increasing federal funding for cancer research, the regulation of tobacco products by the FDA, and locally, the protection of the historic Smoke-Free Illinois law. Patient Services Every day, more than 100 Illinois residents reach out for help by calling our 24/7 cancer support line. Nationwide, we answer 1.1 million calls and emails each year. From the moment of diagnosis throughout the cancer journey, the Society provides a circle of care that offers patients comprehensive information, day-to-day help and emotional support so they can make informed decisions for the highest quality of life possible. In addition to the Society s many free programs and services, we maintain a database of available community resources to help patients through their cancer journey.
Black & White Ball Facts WHEN AND WHERE The American Cancer Society s Black & White Ball will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard, Illinois. Festivities will begin at 5:30pm with a pre-event reception that will include an amazing silent auction, followed by an elegant dinner, a spectacular live auction and incredible live entertainment. WHO Over 500 guests are expected to attend the event and will include: corporate partners, business and philanthropic leaders and distinguished guests. WHY The Black & White Ball has raised more than $2.2 million over the last five years to support our mission to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 1.7 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year. More than 560,000 Americans will lose their battle. That is over 1,500 people a day. Together we can help ensure that dollars keep flowing to fund cutting-edge research, to provide free services for everyone with cancer, and to offer grassroots education that helps people learn how to reduce their risks for cancer. You can help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays by volunteering with us at the 2015 Black & White Ball. Volunteer Impact Attention to every detail of the guest experience is of the utmost importance and will be reflected in the training and roles for all volunteers at the Black & White Ball. More than 80 volunteers are needed for the day of event on 2/28/2015. We have something for everyone! Parking and refreshments will be provided at the Ball. Although the evening is black tie, we do not anticipate that all of our volunteers will have formalwear. For ladies we suggest formal attire (floor length gown) or a black dress/black suit. For gentlemen, we recommend a black tux or black suit with a white shirt. Please also note that all volunteers must be 21 years of age or older. If you have questions or require additional information, please contact Lauren Beecher at 312.279.7202 or by email at Lauren.Beecher@cancer.org.
Volunteer Opportunities There are various volunteer positions that need to be filled in order to put on a successful event. Volunteer positions will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Set Up Volunteer FULL Description: Assist with set up of various event spaces, such as the Silent Auction area and Volunteer Room. Help assemble departure gifts for guests and attend to general event needs Qualifications: A willingness to help, this position may require walking and/or standing for an extended period of time. Dress Code: Casual Shift Time: 10AM-4PM Greeter FULL Description: Welcome and greet all guests and volunteers as they arrive, answering questions and directing guests to assistance Qualifications: Upbeat attitude and warm personality. Standing for extended periods of time required Shift Times: 3:30PM-7:30PM and 4:30PM-8:30PM Registration Attendant FULL Description: Check in guests via computer registration system, answer questions, and report on updates Qualifications: A fun upbeat attitude with a winning smile, strong computer and organizational skills required Shift Time: 4:15PM-7:30PM Raffle Ticket Sales Description: Sell raffle tickets by engaging guests and explain the sensational prizes Qualifications: Outgoing personalities with sales experience a plus. Great people skills and feeling comfortable approaching guests to sell tickets. Standing for an extended period of time required. Shift Time: 4:15PM-9:00PM
Volunteer Opportunities Silent Auction Attendant Description: Oversee sections of silent auction tables, assist bidders, answer questions, help others to make exciting purchases and place bids. Assist with transferring items from silent auction tables to checkout counter. Qualifications: An enthusiastic and engaging personality to encourage bidding activities. Standing for extended periods of time required. Shift Time: 4:30PM-9:00PM Table Host Description: Greet guests at your assigned tables as they are seated to dinner, jump into the action during our thrilling live auction and Raising Hope sections of the program by assisting the auctioneer with spotting bids. Qualifications: Excellent customer service and professionalism, a good eye, clear voice, and an ability to enthuse a crowd to make exciting purchases. Shift Time: 5:45PM-11:00PM Check-Out Attendant Description: Assist in the check-out process as guests pay for items purchased using the registration software. Qualifications: Excellent customer service skills and computer skills required. Shift Time: 8:30PM-12:30AM Departure Assistance Volunteer Description: Assist with Silent Auction check-out process and/or distributing departure gifts as guests leave the event, assist guests with large auction items to valet stand after they have completed the check-out process. Qualification: Gracious, polite personality, ability to carry up to 50lbs may be helpful Shift Time: 8:00PM-12:30AM
Volunteer Commitment Form Please return this form via fax attn: Lauren Beecher to 312.279.7225 or by email to Note: All volunteers must be 21 years of age or older. Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Home Address Business Address Phone: Email: Cell Phone: I have volunteered with the American Cancer Society: Yes No I have volunteered at the Black & White Ball: Yes No List other volunteer experience: I am interested in the following Black & White Ball volunteer position(s): 1. 2. 3. Although the evening is black tie, we do not anticipate that all of our volunteers will have formal-wear. For ladies we suggest formal attire (floor length gown) or a black dress/black suit. For gentlemen, we recommend a black tux or black suit with a white shirt. The American Cancer Society cares about your privacy and protects how we use your information. To view our full privacy policy or if you have any questions, please call the Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org and click on the "privacy" link at the bottom of the page.