Volunteer FAQ
Every volunteer will be required to obtain the necessary clearances. If it has been 5 years since last background clearance, you will need to re-obtain them. The following link will take you to a printer-friendly packet with instructions. Please review the document before reaching out with questions.
Can children volunteer at the Lehigh Valley Night To Shine?
Since this is a prom, we prefer families with children under the age of 14 accompany their registered parents as paparazzi and leave the venue after the guests have arrived
How old must I be to volunteer?
You must be 14 to be a general volunteer and you must serve on the team with a parent.
You must be 16 years or older to volunteer as a buddy.
Do I need background checks if I am
under 18?
No, you will not be required to send background checks.
I provided background checks last year, will I need to update them this year?
No. If we have the three background checks that are dated within the past 5 years, you will not have to resubmit.
When is the cutoff for background checks?
All volunteers must submit all three clearances by Feburary 7th, No exceptions.
Will there be volunteer training?
Yes. There will be two training sessions, you only need to attend one, both will be held at:
Riverbend Community Church
81 E. North St
Bethlehem Pa 18018
Sunday, February 1st at 1:00pm
Thursday, February 5th at 6:30pm
I volunteered previous years, do I still need to attend the training?
Yes. There are always changes each year and we ask that you attend so you can be fully prepared to give our guests an amazing evening.
What time do we arrive?
If you are on the check in team or the coat check team, you will need to arrive and be checked in by 3:30pm.
All other volunteers must check in between 4 and 5pm.
If you cannot make these check in times, please register for the tear down team.
Will there be food available?
Yes. A light dinner will be provided for all volunteers. There will be a gluten free option, please note it on your registration.
Dinner will only be available between 4-5:15.
Volunteer food is for general volunteers only. Buddies will be eating in the ballroom with their guests.
Food and drink in the ballroom is for guests and buddies only.
What should I wear?
This is a prom, we would like to keep the environment prom like. You can wear anything modest from formal wear to business casual, whatever makes you the most comfortable.
What do I do with my personal items during the event?
Please leave as many personal items at home for this event, there is not a separate area to store these.
There will be a coat check. If you arrive with other volunteers, please check your coats together, it will save us valuable hanger space for the guests and their families.
What team am I on?
Once you have provided all three of your background checks you will be placed on a team and sent an email with your coordinator’s contact information.
If when you complete your background checks the team you requested is full, you will receive an email asking you to join another volunteer team.
What are my responsibilities?
Please see the team descriptions and/or reach out to your team coordinator to clarify your responsibilities.
Can I go into the ballroom?
Yes, go in and check out the event. If you are not assigned to the ballroom we ask that you do not linger long as the space is limited and we want everyone to be comfortable navigating the space.
What if there is a medical issue with a guest or volunteer?
There is medical staff, EMT and police officers onsite during the entire event. Please see them or a leadership team member for assistance.
Is there someone I can reach out to for questions before the event?
Yes, email Laura - laura@riverbendonline.org
