Rockin’ the Big House is just weeks away and as preparations continue, the most important members of the event team are also getting prepared. On the morning of August 19, volunteers were invited to the historic site to get a glimpse of what it will all look like and learn what their role for the day will be.
“I want to thank everyone for being here today and volunteering for the event,” said Rockin’ the Big House co-chairs Joanne Langlois, Pat Mirphy and Chris Murphy at the orientation. “We really couldn’t do it without you and your support.”
Since the event was announced in May, volunteers – some who have volunteered with the United Way numerous times before, some who volunteered for years during Fare for Friends and some new volunteers too – have been inquiring about opportunities. Now, less than a month away from the big day, over 100 volunteers have volunteered for the day of the event, with some also volunteering for the night before and the day after.
“I wanted to be a part of the event in some way. I have volunteered with United Way a number of times and I always enjoy it,” said Heather Highet at the orientation. “I am looking forward to seeing it all come together and the energy that this event will have.”
Other volunteers echoed these feelings and some viewed being part of the event as being a part of history.
“There has never been a concert here and I wanted to be a part of the first-time experience and it is for a great cause!” said Judy Griffiths. “I think it is going to be such a great event and the way it has been organized it really feels intimate and it should be a great night.”
From parking to ticket taking, selling merchandise to selling food tickets, helping with band logistics to making sure that everyone knows where the bathrooms are, volunteers will be everywhere at Rockin’ the Big House. And while it is a little hard to visualize the set up within the Pen grounds now, many of the volunteers were excited to walk around and hear about each area and how it will all come together on Sept. 14.
“It is clear that the committee has put a lot of thought into the event and I think everyone who attends is just going to have a great time,” said Griffiths. “I really think the event will pull the community together and it will be a great event for the city of Kingston overall.”
Is it too late to become a volunteer?
Hi Rick, We have enough volunteers for this event, but if you are looking for other volunteer opportunities please visit https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/volunteer-centre/ Thanks for inquiring!