YWCA Women of the Year

This event is held each spring and honors women in our community in 13 categories of achievement. The planning and organizing for this event starts in the fall. Volunteers are needed to sit on the planning committee and serve on the various subcommittees: Nominations, Public Relations, Facilities & Arrangements, and Fundraising. There are other volunteer opportunities the night of the event: setting up the room, greeting guests, registering guests, and cleaning up.

"It's Time to Talk" Annual Luncheon

This event is held in the early summer and is an integral piece of the YWCA Racial Justice Program. The luncheon consists of a nationally-known keynote speaker on the topic of race and/or racism, followed by a mediator-facilitated dialogue at each table. Volunteers are needed to become trained facilitators for this event, along with other dialogues throughout the year.

Chocolate Fantasy and Chili, too! and Silent Auction

This event is held in the fall and is an annual fundraiser for the YWCA. Participants can sample chocolate desserts from area stores and restaurants, along with chili, as they bid on items in the silent auction. The planning and organizing for this event starts in February. Volunteers are needed for the planning committee. Duties include publicity, facilities and arrangements, and securing dessert and silent auction donations. There are other volunteer opportunities the day of the event: setting up the room, picking up desserts, selling tickets, cutting desserts, serving coffee and cleaning up.

YWCA Week Without Violence

The YWCA Week Without Violence is a national YWCA campaign that is held every October and sponsored locally to identify practical and lasting solutions to violence. Beginning in the spring, committee and planning work gets underway to determine what events are going to take place during that week. Volunteers are needed to sit on the planning committee. Responsibilities include publicity, logistics and arrangements, and finding speakers to name a few. During the week of events, volunteers are needed to staff events, help with set-up and clean-up, etc.

Unique Boutique

This event takes place every December at the YWCA Emergency Shelter. Hundreds of brand-new items are donated from the community so that past and present YWCA clients can choose gifts for their loved ones at no charge. Along with Unique Boutique, the Client Party features treats, activities, and gifts for the clients' children. Volunteers are needed to secure donations of wrapping paper, ribbons and tape, set up the "store," pick up donated items, and staff the "store." During the Client Party, volunteers are needed to register attendees, wrap gifts, be a Santa's Helper, serve treats, and help with activities that are planned.