An amazing team of volunteers is what makes this event happen! Volunteering is one of the best ways to meet & connect with other families at school. There are lots of ways you can help: serve on a planning committee, collect donations, host a great gathering, volunteer at the event, write thank you notes and more! (And, this helps to fulfill your family’s 20 annual volunteer hours!)

We welcome all families and students to get creative in how they can contribute to the Blue Heron Bash. Here are several ways you can donate: 

• Donate an item to the silent auction.  Some examples are tickets to an event if you have season tickets, unwanted gift cards or gifts from the holidays, new items you think will attract bidders, or something you make (jewelry, art, woodworking, sewing, etc.).

• Donate an item to an elementary classroom theme basket

• Donate a bottle of wine or alcohol to the Wine Pull (also including coffee this year).  

• Help us spread word in the community and make connections. Reach out to a favorite restaurant or retailer for a donation and we can share a donation form with you. 

• Donate an item or service if you or a family member own or work at a business that can donate. Item donations could include a gift card or service, tickets, or experiences from local businesses that you have a special connection with. 

• Donate monetarily. If you would like to donate a monetary amount we have sponsorships available. 

Great Gatherings are events hosted by GRS families. The host(s) sets the event, date, time, and location. Each event has a set number of participants–some are adults-only, some are for families, and others geared for specific age groups. Some past Gatherings have been brewery tours, theme dinners, jewelry making, game nights, and cooking classes. Hosting a Gathering is a fantastic and fun way to support GRS!  You don't have to attend the Bash to sign up for Great Gatherings, but it is your first chance to sign up and many sell out at the event.

ATTEND  The number one way you can help support GRS via the Blue Heron Bash is to attend and participate.  Spread the word!  All are welcome.  We want as many people to attend as possible so if ticket price is a barrier, please let us know.  All FRL families and GRS Staff receive free tickets.

SPONSOR  There are multiple levels available starting at $100.  Sponsors receive recognition in our Heron Huddle newsletter, on our school website, on signs at the Bash and in the program. Maybe you or a family member own or work at a business that would like to be a sponsor. You could also ask local businesses with whom you have a special connection. 

DONATE  

There are several ways you can donate: 

*Donate an item to the silent auction.  Some examples are tickets to an event if you have season tickets, unwanted gift cards or gifts from the holidays, new items you think will attract bidders, or something you make (jewelry, art, woodworking, sewing, etc.). You can also donate an item to an elementary classroom theme basket or a bottle of wine or alcohol to the Wine Pull (also including coffee this year).

*Ask for gift cards, tickets, or experiences from local businesses that you have a special connection with.  Maybe you or a family member own or work at a business that can donate.  

VOLUNTEER  We couldn’t pull off this great community event without volunteers!  There are committees you can head or join to help get everything in place for the big night in the weeks leading up to the Bash.  Volunteering is a great way to meet people in our community!  Here is the link to volunteer BHB Volunteer Sign Up

Before the Bash:

• Help assemble items for the online auction: organize, photograph & write descriptions 

• Help on a committee: Food/Beverage, Sponsorships, Donations, Entertainment, Communications

• Help write fun & engaging weekly message to post on school blog & Facebook pages

• Make the slideshow presentation

• Solicit or pick up donations from local businesses

At the Bash:

• Help at food & drink, wine pull, auction, great gathering & donation stations

• Set up or clean up

• Rally support for the Event on social media and on the Event page

After the Bash

• Organize winning items for pick up & help deliver to cars during designated times

• Assemble thank you notes to sponsors & donors and bidder receipts with items for auction winners

If you would like to contribute ideas or volunteer please email blueheronbash@greatriverschool.org