So two weekends ago, Julian and I were slave labor, erm, volunteers for the JDRF "Cars" Gala Preview hosted by Pixar. I served as Volunteer Coordinator (again) for this event, which has its moments. We arrived at Pixar around 9 am.... and left at 2:30 am.
We were 'behind' from the get-go, understaffed in the morning, slightly overstaffed in the evening. Unfortunately, the way these events work, there are always "down" times - and it's hard to plan or staff around these, so sometimes people end up waiting around with nothing to do. It is frustrating but nearly unavoidable.
Thankfully our volunteers took in it stride.
I really relish these events, but sometimes it is hard not to cringe at the way volunteers are treated. At one point, a person strided towards the volunteers working registration clapping her hands, saying "Volunteers! Volunteers! Look perky! People are coming!"
Aside from these choice moments, most of the event goes off without a hitch.
At the end of the very, very, very long day, we raised $1.4 million dollars for diabetes research. One of our 'repeat' volunteers shared some news at the event: her husband had had a pancreas transplant. I can't say I'm not intrigued, though most people agree it is just trading one set of problems for another.
I'm sick; probably from overextending myself. I think I had like an 80 week, and the volunteering all occurs on my own time, not Pixar's, so... I'm sick. Strep + sinus infection. I just pray that this all goes away before my upcoming vacation.
Speaking of which, it is like torture waiting for it ;) I am so long overdue for this.... and cannot wait. My ears right now refuse to clear, so I feel lightheaded all the time, living in a tunnel. Hopefully the antibiotics will kick in stronger soon.
Nothing much else to report. Some frustration over old code at work.... that I can't seem to improve to boot. But alas, mostly just tired from working, volunteering, and being sick.
Posted by sfisher at April 18, 2006 08:47 PMI was blown away by how much bigger the JDRF event was this time around, compared to when I helped for Nemo. Whoa. And I didn't realize it started so much earlier this time, either - in retrospect, Amy and I would've come earlier rather than later, especially given the under/over staffing that occured! Next time I suppose... but anyway, I'm amazed you guys pull it off so well. You deserve a lot of recognition for the work you put in!
And I must also say, when we got home and looked in those gift bags they ended up giving the volunteers, we were shocked. I think we're going to make a donation to JDRF if only to assuage our guilt... I was more than happy just being given a hat last time! :-/
Posted by: Steve Carlson at April 25, 2006 12:32 AM