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About
SIGN-UP TO BE APART OF BIG HEARTS 2026! Big Hearts is one of esp's largest fundraising events solely focused on celebrating our participants and covering costs to attend programs! It is broken down in two events - The talent show and the Gala! Here you will find opportunities to support the Gala!
This Year's Theme: Be loved...joyfully ever after❤️📖 This year's theme reminds us that in a world full of fleeting or fake stories, Big Hearts shares a real one: a story of love, belonging, and community.
Volunteer Responsibilities: Volunteers are able to assist in multiple ways. Volunteer opportunities are detailed and labeled with specific responsibilities, times, dates, and instructions. The shifts under this event support this years Big Hearts Gala.
Dates and Times: Volunteer dates and times will vary given there are many shifts to assist in prep work as well as day of hands-on needs. Be sure to check each shift carefully. The Gala is on Saturday, February 14th.
This is such a special event for the participants, their families, and our community! Thank you for your interest in being a vital part of making Big Hearts happen!
Positions
0 Remaining
Registration
Opens Dec 2, 2025 9:00am
Registration Closes
2 hours before each shift starts or when space runs out.
Age Limit
18 and up
Requirements
Background check, Training
Requirement Details
Age Requirements Registrants for these shifts are expected to be adults 18 years or older, however some shifts are reserved for adults 23 years or older. If there are any additional questions pertaining to this, or volunteers interested who are under 18 years old, please reach out to kate@espyouandme.org.
There are also specific dress codes listed under any impacted shifts. Anything that this during the Gala event (Saturday, February 14th, 4ish - 10pm) will have a specific requirement so please be sure to check. Any additional questions can be answered by kate@espyouandme.org
Some shifts will have a brief training sent before hand! For other shifts, direct instructions will be given when you arrive.
Perks
Volunteers working shifts through dinner time will receive dinner! Otherwise, snacks and drinks will be available throughout the shifts.
Parking Details
The best place to park is downtown Athens street parking or The Classic Center Parking Deck (both need payment!). Parking is very limited, so volunteers are encouraged to carpool!
Causes
Sustainable Development Goals
GivePulse
231 Positions Filled
|
212 Impacts
|
633 Hours
A few people you will meet... View All
Shifts (29)
1 - 1 of 1 Shifts
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocktail Reception Decor Creation Day 1 | 9:00am (ET) | 12:00pm (ET) | 180 Trade Street Bogart, GA 30622 Lindsay Transfer and Storage | Volunteers will be responsible for assembling the decor for the Atrium, Silent Auction, and Hallway. Please dress comfortably for creating decor. | 5/7 | Over |
1 - 1 of 1 Shifts
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gala Pages Decor Creation Day 1 | 10:00am (ET) | 12:00pm (ET) | 189 VFW Drive Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 This shift is at ESP Athens! | Help us create decor for our Gala! This shift will be at ESP Athens and consist of taping book pages to create a beautiful display! Please dress comfortably and casually | 5/5 | Over |
1 - 1 of 1 Shifts
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gala Pages Decor Creation Day 2 | 10:00am (ET) | 12:00pm (ET) | 189 VFW Drive Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 This shift is at ESP Athens | Help us create decor for our Gala! This shift will be at ESP Athens and consist of taping book pages to create a beautiful display! Please dress comfortably and casually | 3/4 | Over |
1 - 1 of 1 Shifts
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocktail Reception Decor Creation - Day 2 | 9:00am (ET) | 12:00pm (ET) | 180 Trade Street Bogart, GA 30622 Lindsay Transfer and Storage | Volunteers will be responsible for creating the decor for the Hallway and Atrium. Please dress comfortably for decor creation | 5/5 | Over |
1 - 6 of 6 Shifts
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocktail Reception Decor Set-Up Day 1 | 9:00am (ET) | 1:00pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers will be responsible for helping set up greenery, florals, and other items. Please dress casually for set-up. | 10/10 | Over |
| Cocktail Reception Bar Decor - Shift 1 | 9:30am (ET) | 12:30pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers will be responsible for helping decorate the bar(s) in the atrium. Please wear comfortable clothes for setting up. | 4/4 | Over |
| Wine Pull Set-up - Day 1 | 9:30am (ET) | 12:30pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers will be responsible for helping construct the Wine Pull experience including set-up and decor. Please dress comfortably for setting up. | 4/4 | Over |
| Cocktail Reception Bar Decor - Shift 2 | 12:30pm (ET) | 3:30pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers will be responsible for helping decorate the bar(s) in the atrium. Please wear comfortable clothes for setting up. | 4/4 | Over |
| Gala Floral Prep | 12:30pm (ET) | 4:00pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | As a volunteer for this shift you will help us prepare our florals using tools to remove leaves and trim stems as needed. Please dress comfortably and casually. | 8/10 | Over |
| Silent Auction Packing | 5:00pm (ET) | 6:00pm (ET) | 7920 Macon Highway Watkinsville, Georgia 30677 esp Inc. offices | Volunteers for this shift will help pack silent auction items at esp's inc. offices! Please dress comfortably and wear sneakers! | 10/10 | Over |
1 - 4 of 4 Shifts
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocktail Reception Decor Set-Up Day 2 | 9:00am (ET) | 1:00pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers will be responsible for decorating the Atrium and Hallway with greenery and florals. As well as setting up tables and arranging these spaces. Please plan to dress comfortably for set-up. | 10/10 | Over |
| Gala Decor Set-up | 9:00am (ET) | 12:00pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | As a volunteer for this shift you will help transport decor to tables and help setup decor throughout our Gala Space! Please dress comfortably and casually. | 21/21 | Over |
| Wine Pull Set-up - Day 2 | 9:30am (ET) | 12:30pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Help us set up the Wine Pull and decor! Please Dress Comfortably for set-up. | 4/4 | Over |
| Stage Construction | 11:00am (ET) | 2:00pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers for this shift will help us set up props and decor for the gala stage! Please dress comfortably/casually. Volunteers for this shift should be 23 years or older! | 2/2 | Over |
1 - 10 of 15 Shifts
| Shift | Start Time | End Time | Address | Description | Registrants Needed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name Tag Set-Up | 8:00am (ET) | 11:00am (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers for this shift will help us organize and set-up nametags, check-in prep, and support with event decor Please dress comfortably/casually. Volunteers for this shift can be any age! | 9/10 | Over |
| Silent Auction Set-up | 9:00am (ET) | 12:00pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers for this shift will help unload the truck and set-up Silent Auction items at the Classic Center the morning of the gala! Please dress comfortably and casually! | 11/12 | Over |
| Cocktail Reception Day of Set-Up - Shift 1 | 9:30am (ET) | 12:30pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers will be responsible for the final decor/set-up of the atrium and silent auction areas. Please dress comfortably for setting up. | 5/5 | Over |
| Silent Auction Monitor | 12:00pm (ET) | 4:00pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers at this shift will oversee Silent Auction items while staff and others are in-and-out before the event begins! Please dress comfortably and casually! | 3/3 | Over |
| Cocktail Reception Day of Set-Up - Shift 2 | 12:30pm (ET) | 3:30pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers will be responsible the final decor and set-up for the cocktail reception. Please dress comfortably for setting-up. | 5/5 | Over |
| Gala Candle Lighting | 3:00pm (ET) | 4:00pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers will be responsible for helping with day-of final set-up! Please wear comfortable clothes for setting up. | 2/2 | Over |
| Gala Guest Check-In | 3:30pm (ET) | 7:30pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers for this shift will run check-in and greet guests! Volunteers for this shift should feel comfortable with technology! Volunteers for this shift must be 20 years or older and feel excited about providing joyful hospitality!! Please dress in black tie attire. | 25/25 | Over |
| Silent Auction Volunteer | 3:30pm (ET) | 9:30pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers for this shift will assist attendees in placing bids on the Silent Auction! You will answer questions and help place bids on BidPal. Volunteers should be comfortable using technology. Please wear black tie attire. | 5/6 | Over |
| Cocktail Reception Photo Booth | 5:00pm (ET) | 8:00pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Volunteers will be responsible for helping decorate the photos from the photo booth with glitter. If you are creative, this is the role for you! Please dress in black tie-appropriate clothing. | 5/5 | Over |
| Red Carpet Buddies | 5:00pm (ET) | 8:00pm (ET) | 300 N Thomas St Athens, GA 30601 The Classic Center | Be a buddy to one of participants during Welcome Wagon and the Red Carpet Walk! You will be their friend, encourage them, and help transition from one activity to the next. Dinner will be provided. There will be a brief, required training sent out before the event. Dress Code: All... | 29/30 | Over |
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