Getting Involved

Be A Part of Dayton’s Party of Parties!

August 31, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Masquerage is the signature annual event of AIDS Resource Center Ohio, raising critical unrestricted funding for individuals infected, affected and at risk of HIV/AIDS. Since Masquerage’s inception in 2002, “Dayton’s Party of Parties” for a cause has become the fastest growing, must-attend event in Dayton, bringing people together to have a great evening, generate greater awareness of HIV/AIDS issues and raise much needed funds to benefit client services and people living with or affected by this disease.

It takes hundreds of volunteers to pull off an event this size. From artists and designers that can help with the decor, to bartenders and servers to keep the smiles on everyones faces. We’ll need folks to work event check in, coat check and even first aid. A crew is needed to work the silent auction area and so many other behind the scenes jobs that help keep the party going for an expected 1000 guests this year.

We’ll spend the week of Oct 11th transforming the RoundHouse at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds into a decadent venue for the 10th anniversary Masquerage, to be held on Sat, Oct 15th.

So if you’re willing to pitch in and help ARC Ohio by volunteering, sign up here, or contact [email protected] or by phone at 937-461-2347 x 2029.

Your Chance To Support Our Troops

August 31, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Operation Show Our Love, a non-profit operation that sends tons and tons of supplies to the Troops, needs your help. Cindy Millikin, who runs Operation Show Our Love, has received many requests from the troops themselves and they need these items IMMEDIATELY.

There’s a complete list on the website www.operationshowourlove.org but some of the more requested items (or current items we have requests for right now) are:
ground coffee, powdered creamers, sweeteners
toilet paper
Campbell’s cup a soup (soup in hand) in the cups you just heat up in the microwave
Any dry soup mix in a cup that you add boiling water to
Slim Jims/Beef Jerky/beef sticks
Drink flavorings in the little packets that you add to a bottle of water
Any candy not chocolate
any and all snack items that are individually packaged so they can take them on missions with them like nuts, trail mix, dried fruit, power bars, cookies, crackers, candy, granola bars, gum, mints….again, ANY individual snack items not chocolate.
Vienna sausages (non pork) , tuna pouches
DVD movies
Baby wipes
eye drops (for dry eyes)

Deck The Walls will be accepting the donated items at their location at 4015 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, Ohio through Saturday, September 3, 2011.

At that time, Operation Show Our Love WILL pick up the items and ship.

Please feel free to log onto http://www.operationshowourlove.org/ to see what is needed.

Our Mission is to improve the morale of our Military Personnel who are overseas fighting for our freedom and to let them know that those of us at home care about them and support them! We do this by collecting and shipping donations of snacks and toiletries to allow our troops to have a ‘part of home’ in a foreign land, and humanitarian items to distribute to the local population to build relationships that will help now as well as in the future.

Urban Nights Crew Needed!

August 20, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Love Downtown?
Volunteer to be on the Urban Nights Crew!
The Downtown Dayton Partnership needs you to help with Urban Nights on Friday, September 16, 2011. Urban Nights is a free event that showcases downtown’s housing, visual and performing arts, and other creative spaces. Approximately 100 businesses and organizations will be participating in the event, and expected attendance is 30,000+.
Shifts are from 4:45-7:30 p.m. and 7:15-10 p.m. You will be contacted before the event with details on everything you need to know for your shift. Crew Members are needed for the following duties:
*Shuttle Guides – shuttles are offered to help patrons get to some of the participating locations – guides will help direct patrons on the shuttles, answer questions and explain what each stop is for
*Walking Guides – serve as a guide for a designated area of downtown and help answer patron questions, provide directions, etc.
* Info Table – assist in supplying event materials to patrons and answer questions
* Survey Crew – ask patrons a short list of survey questions at the info tent and in other key areas of downtown

If you can help please send an email to Krystal Luketic with your full name, phone, preferred job and shift and t-shirt size. Sign ups end Aug 31st.

Men For Sale… (for a good cause, of course)

August 16, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

For those ladies out there that want to give to a good cause AND get a date out of it, the Dayton Racquet Club is the place to be this Friday August 19th as PUSH holds their second annual Men in the City Bachelor Auction event where 17 eligible bachelors will be sold… er, “auctioned” off to the highest bidders. Oh yeah – your’s truly will be one of those eligible bachelors, and I promise a nice evening out for the woman who bids the highest amount for me! (Did I just actually write that?) Well, it is for a good cause so if you need no further info then just buy your auction tickets here; otherwise continue reading AND THEN buy your tickets!

Checking out the goods at the 2010 Bachelor Auction

PUSH (Professionals United for Sexual Health) is a group that formed two and a half years ago to engage the next generation of volunteers and supporters in education, outreach and fundraising efforts for Planned Parenthood. PUSH raises money specifically for its free condom program (over 80 thousand condoms have been distributed in 23 Ohio counties since its inception) and for a comprehensive health educator position that covers the entire Miami Valley. Their first Bachelor Auction took place last year and was a great success, and organizers hope that this year will be even better – which should be no problem since your’s truly will be in this year’s auction. Yes, I just wrote that.

The doors open at 7pm at the Dayton Racquet Club (top floor of the Kettering Tower in Downtown Dayton – best views in town!) and tickets cost only $20 – and only $15 if you purchase your tickets in advance. Advance ticket purchasers will double their door-prize chances and the first 100 to buy tickets will get a sweet swag bag (settle down, I said SWAG not SHAG) so you’ll want to get those tickets in advance. Not to mention that last year’s event sold out!

Each man comes with (I can’t believe I just wrote that) a dinner at a local restaurant and “activity” package, with activities ranging from couple’s massages to rock climbing – all donated by generous area businesses. I’ll assume that a free hotel room is probably not one of the donated activities but who knows.

So who will you ladies be bidding on? Well here is the list – and yes I will shamelessly start with myself (click on each picture for a whole profile including IQ, Income Bracket and Bicep Measurements). I’m very sure the auction night will be a blast, much money will be raised… and I’m praying that I go for more than the minimum bid. So come out and help a good cause – and my ego! Buy your tickets today!

Bill Pote | Age 40

Nikolas Hunt | Age 27

Thomas Porter | Age 28

Jeremy Roadruck | Age 36

Troy Singer | Age 45

Larry "Lorenzo" Imundo | Age 37

Luke Notestine | Age 29

Josh Zehnder | Age 33

Derek Smith | Age 30

Andy Sedlak | Age 23

Frye Guy | Age 31

John Drake | Age 55

Ben Czajka | Age 34

Bill Draugelis | Age 44

Charles “Chuck” Hiatt | Age 51

Rich Wirdzek | Age 32

Tom Helbig | Age 37

URS Rubber Duck Regatta Adoption Agents Needed

July 31, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton (URS) is seeking volunteers to attend local festivals in the Dayton area during the summer to promote the 8th Annual URS Rubber Duck Regatta and sell $5 duck adoptions. The 8th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta is the release and river race of up to 15,000 bright yellow rubber ducks for a controlled race down the Great Miami River. Ducks will be “released” south of downtown’s Pedestrian Bridge, float down the river and finish at RiverScape’s Festival Plaza. This event takes place on September 17th in conjunction with the Taste of Miami Valley. (One duck “adoption” equals one entry/duck in the race”)

Volunteers are needed to work Festivals throughout the Dayton Area – Promote and sell duck adoptions for the 8th Annual Rubber Duck Regatta (click here for more info)

- German Fest Picnic – Saturday, Aug 13, 12 – 11 pm & Sunday, Aug 14, 12 – 6pm
- Young’s Jersey Dairy – Saturday, August 20, 9 am – 3 pm
- Popcorn Festival – Sat, Sept 10, 9 am – 8 pm & Sun, Sept 11, 10 am – 6 pm
- Cheese & Quackers Wine Tasting – Friday, Sept 16, 5 – 8 pm
- Rubber Duck Regatta – Saturday, Sept 17, 2 – 6 pm

To become a volunteer you must:

Be fifteen years old (unless acompanied by an adult)
Complete an application and orientation

To request more information about volunteering or how your corporation can team build at URS, email Diane Osman at [email protected] or call (937) 233-1230 ext.130.

Share The Power Of The Suit

July 31, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

It’s time once again to clean out your closet and donate your gently-used professional clothing to help men and women enter the workforce. For the fourth year Men’s Warehouse is partnering with Clothes That Work to help disadvantaged job seekers get a boost of self-confidence during the fourth annual National Suit Drive, the country’s largest collection of gently used business attire.

The suits will provide men with a fresh start and the ability to go into an interview feeling confident and well equipped to put into practice their new skills. Although the recession has affected a broad spectrum of the American workforce, more than 70 percent of job losses have befallen men, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, due to the economy’s particularly heavy impact on male-dominated industries such as construction and manufacturing.

“With nearly one out of ten working-age men unemployed in this country, the weak economic recovery has disproportionately hurt the male workforce,” said George Zimmer, Men’s Wearhouse founder and CEO. “By collecting and donating professional clothing, Men’s Wearhouse aims to help men ‘suit up’ for job interviews and give them an important boost of confidence that will help them reach their goals.”

Nationally, Men’s Wearhouse hopes to collect more than 100,000 articles of clothing to benefit charities like Clothes That Work. To thank donors for their generosity, Men’s Wearhouse will reward them with 50% off a purchase at Men’s Wearhouse and will donate a tie for every suit received in the month of August. And besides clothing, for every “like” on Facebook, Men’s Wearhouse will donate $1 to the cause, up to $10,000.

Arts Volunteering Opportunity

July 14, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Each season, 1,000 volunteers from the Dayton area donate more than 60,000 hours of their time to the Victoria Theatre Association. Volunteers primarily work as the ushers for our performance theatres at the Victoria Theatre, Schuster Center and The Loft Theatre. Ushers are responsible for taking tickets, seating patrons, enforcing house policies, assisting patrons and answering questions. They also assist with mailings, staff fair and festival booths, and other tasks. We’ve just heard that the Variety Series is especially in need of volunteers.

Orientations dates are Wed, Aug 3rd at 3pm or 6:3opm and Sat, Aug 6th at 1oam. Fill out the application – download here and send it in our just bring it with you to orientation.

Here’s what’s coming up for the Variety Series:

THE FLYING KARAMAZOV BROTHERS

October 7, 2011
Location: Victoria Theatre
More

GONE MADIGAN WITH KATHLEEN MADIGAN

February 3, 2012
Location: Victoria Theatre
More

COLIN MOCHRIE & BRAD SHERWOOD: THE TWO MAN GROUP

April 28, 2012
Location: Victoria Theatre
More

Victoria Theatre Association 2011-2012 Season Brochure (PDF)

Can You Help Others Dress For Success?

July 13, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Clothes That Work is a grassroots non-profit that has been providing professional clothing, image counseling and training for job seekers in Montgomery County since 1998. More than 18,000 job seekers in need have benefited from the services provided by Clothes That Work.

In addition to providing interview appropriate clothing and training on how to dress for work, they also conduct seminars, give interviewing tips and coach on exhibiting appropriate professional behavior. By focusing on the skills our clients need to be competitive in the interview process, they help instill the confidence necessary to succeed.

Clothes That Work is currently seeking volunteers to assist in the areas of personal shopper, Boutique sales and inventory management.
Personal Shopper: Provide customers with the interview or work attire, support and encouragement to approach the workplace with confidence.

Openings every week:
Wednesday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Boutique Sales Associate: Coordinate attractive, colorful displays, price merchandise and aid customers with their purchases.

Openings alternating week:
Tuesday 12:30 to 3:00 PM
Wednesday 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM
Thursday 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM
Friday 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM
Inventory Management: Solicit and maintain a steady supply of clothing and accessories, collect and manage individual and corporate clothing donations; Transport clothing from drop sites, assure that customers receive top quality clothing and accessories appropriate for job interviews; Sort, repair, straighten, and display merchandise.

Openings every week:
Monday 12:30 to 3:00 PM
Tuesday 12:30 to 3:00 PM
Wednesday 10 AM to 12:30 PM & 12:30 to 3:00 PM
Thursday 9:45 AM to 12:30 PM & 12:30 to 3:00 PM
Friday 12:30 to 3:00 PM

Interested applicants may complete a volunteer application online or contact Melanie Tullis or phone 937-222-3778 ext.170.

Volunteers Still Needed for CityFolk

June 28, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

I’ll be volunteering all weekend as a Beverage Supervisor and last night we meet and found out we are short about 20 beer pourers, especially for the 7-11pm shifts. So, why not sign up, hear some great music and meet some fun people!

Here’s the official volunteer info from CityFolk:

Volunteers are the heart of the CITYFOLK Festival. Here’s your chance to pitch in and help make the state’s finest multi-cultural festival a success while having fun and meeting new friends! Volunteer NOW!

The Cityfolk Festival will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 1st, 2nd and 3rd. There are a number of volunteer opportunities being offered. Please select the date you would like to volunteer and complete the registration form.

Note: You can volunteer for more than one job by clicking the checkbox next to each of your desired jobs/shifts. To volunteer for more than one day, go back to the day selection screen after submitting your entry. You may also register family and friends by following the same steps. Please use your email as the contact for those registrations. Volunteers must be 21 years and over to serve beer. Other volunteers must be at least 18 or can be age 15 to 17 when they are accompanied by an adult working at the same location.

Will You Help Fund the 5th Annual Horror Movie Marathon?

June 6, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Since 2007, the Little Art Theatre, now a nonprofit cinema, has hosted a horror movie marathon each October. The marathon has featured at least seven feature-length films annually, in addition to dozens of classic trailers, a costume contest, concessions, and more. Films have included classics as varied as Psycho, The Shining, Jaws, Videodrome, The Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, The Thing, Re-Animator, Repulsion, Night of the Living Dead, and Eraserhead. In past years the lineup has also included an area premiere, examples being Black Sheep, Splinter, The House of the Devil, and Best Worst Movie.

The cost of classic film rental and/or licensing is increasingly prohibitive. Each year, this event has grown its audience, but it’s always a struggle to break even while still putting on a worthwhile event. Though our preference would be to show 35mm prints of all the featured films, in the last couple of years we’ve turned to projecting films digitally in high-definition in an attempt to reduce costs. The event is always staffed by volunteers, and is often understaffed in critical areas like concession sales and projection.

We want this event to survive. We have a ton of fun putting it on, and we always get great feedback from our audience, who have come to look forward to the event each year. Yet each fall it becomes more and more difficult to plan the event with little feel for how it will perform, and weighing the very real risk that the event will lose money.

We need your help. We’ve set a goal of $2,500, which is the minimum cost to put on the marathon we’ve all come to know and love each year. In exchange for your $25+ contribution, you’ll be able to reserve your seat(s), and at the $100+ level you can also get a limited edition t-shirt, designed especially for the marathon.

If we exceed our minimum goal, every dollar you contribute above that will be invested in the event, too. We don’t just want the event to continue, we want it to be better than ever. That means:

1) More 35mm prints. See classic horror flicks in the highest possible resolution, in 35mm, on the big screen.

2) More films. Imagine a super-sized lineup — more than our usual seven or eight films. We’ve always reluctantly dreamed of putting on a 24-hour marathon, with a wide variety of classic fare — from suspense to hard gore. If you help us raise the money, we’ll summon the stamina.

3) More staff. Keeping a massive crowd well attended in a venue as cozy as ours for more than half-a-day is a challenge. If we can bring on more of our regular staff (in addition to our excellent volunteers) for the marathon, we’ll have the person-power to keep a better eye on the auditorium for disruptions like talkers and cell phone-abusers; to keep the concession stand fully stocked and operational throughout the entire event; and to tend to running projection more smoothly than ever.

This fest will only continue if they can reach the $2500 goal in funding by Wed, June 22nd. As of this morning they had $575 raised. If you’d like to help click on the green button to the left.

Night of the Living Dead …. in Dayton?

June 2, 2011 By Shana Lloyd Leave a Comment

Yes you read right! Tomorrow at midnight The Oregon District will be swarming with zombies. Don’t be frightened it’s for a good cause. The Dayton Zombie Walk Zombies should gather at the parking lot by Omega Music on East Fifth Street.

DMM's Shana Douglas, Zombie-Style

If you need help with your makeup, a pre-party at Vex on at 4th and St. Clair hosted by Foy’s will be held for dead things to prepare themselves to crawl The Oregon. For Zombies who want to dance the night away there is also a after party. See flyer. Makeup artists and other experts will be onsite from 7:30 to 10:30. If your skilled enough to do your own makeup, stop by Foy’s for the best supplies. It’s where I go .. to get my Zombie Face on. Yes, that’s me.

Zombies apparently are also philanthropists, well tomorrow they are. A canned and nonperishable food drive for the Dayton Food Bank will also be part of the night’s festivities so if you’re walking you can also bring your donations to the post-walk party at Vex. If you’re a Zombie, you have no use for canned goods anyway so you might as well hand them over. Stick to flesh, there are people in need.

In 2009, the Zombie Walk in Dayton was rather a small affair with only about 30 Zombies gathering. Since, the event has grown dramatically and 500 are expected to walk here in Dayton. How cool is Dayton? Young Professional friendly and Zombie friendly. It doesn’t get much better than that.

So, come out and be free with your undead self. If you’re relatively scared of dead things, consider yourself warned because if you’re partying in The Oregon tomorrow night you’ll have company. More information can be found http://www.daytonzombiewalk.com

Oh, and hey..bring you’re little dead things. The Zombie walk is stroller friendly. 🙂

SICSA’s 13th Annual Walk for Strays Needs You!

June 1, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Join fellow animal lovers for the 13th annual charity walk beneffiting SICSA’s homeless dogs and cats on Saturday, June 4th. The Walk follows a 1.2 mile path around the green fields and fishing pond of Kettering’s Delco Park. Following the Walk there are many activities to participate in and enjoy including:

“Dressing to the K-9’s” Fashion Show – Get those creative juices flowing and design an outfit for your furry friend to compete in one of these categories: “That Special Occassion”, “Owner/Pet Look-a-Like, “Inspired by Fiction” and “Designer’s Choice”.
Paw Print Painting – $25 purchases a masterpiece created by your four-legged Artist.
Exhibitor Showcase
$10 Microchipping
Photo Booth – A photo to capture your Walk memories for only $10.
Raffle
Food

Help raise more money with your own fundraising page on their site. Solicit pledges and raise additional funds by asking friends, family, and co-workers to sponsor you (and your pet).

Raise $150 and receive a voucher good for a wash at the SICSA Dog Wash and a photo of you and your pet at the Walk. -or- Raise $500 and receive the items above plus 2 Tickets to the Red Dog Auction.

New for 2011!!! $25 Registration -All walkers registered by May 27th are guaranteed the 13th Annual Walk for Strays T-shirt! Registration after May 27th and on the day of the event will receive the goodie bag and T-shirt while supplies last.
$10 Registration – Youth (12& Under) registered by May 27th receive the Walk for Strays T-shirt.

Registration Begins at 9 AM/Walk begins at 10 AM

Make the Music Happen by Volunteering

May 26, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Want to do a lil’ job that makes a major impact in keeping a fabulous and free festival alive in our community? Volunteer for Cityfolk festival! Interested volunteers should contact Kathleen Alter to select a shift.
VOLUNTEER TASK DESCRIPTION:

Cityfolk festival is requesting vibrant, outgoing volunteers to help us with the “You Make the Music Happen” suggested donation campaign. Due to a significant reduction in federal, state and corporate funding Cityfolk is asking for a suggested donation at the festival this year. We desperately want to keep the festival free but we need help to do that. We will have stations (manned by two people) at entrances and roving teams of two asking people for donations. Everyone who donates will receive a sticker saying “I Made the Music Happen”. This will ensure that people who donated money will not be asked multiple times for a donation. This is a not a high pressure sale, simply a chance to share the message about the quality of life that Cityfolk adds to Southwest Ohio.

Volunteers will be in teams of two and can choose to work at an entrance or be a rover in a designated area. We are looking for 30 people per day and the shifts are 3 hours. The buckets will be zip-tied shut and will be taken to the business office at the end of the shift. There will be no need to handle the money. All volunteers will receive a special shirt that say “Make the Music Happen” to wear while volunteering. If your groups chooses to volunteer you will be recognized in the festival program.
Other volunteer jobs include: greet Festival visitors at the entrance gates, pour beer as part of the Beer Crew, make sure the artists and staff are well fed as members of the Hospitality Crew, and much, much more. Some new opportunities are available this year, so be sure to scan all the job descriptions if you’d like to try something different. There’s a volunteer job for everyone!
BONUS: Volunteers receive a great t-shirt. PLUS if you volunteer – you’re already downtown to attend one of the hottest parties of the summer!

Volunteer Shifts Available:
Friday, July 1
5:30 – 8:30
8:00 – 11:00

Saturday, July 2
12:30 – 4:30
4:00 – 8:00
7:30 – 11:00

Sunday, July 3
12:30 – 4:30
4:00 – 8:00
7:30 – 11:00

Info on the Festival: http://www.cityfolk.org/festival/festival.html
Cityfolk shares why they’re asking for a $5 donation: http://blog.cityfolk.org/2011/04/why-were-asking-for-suggested-donation.html

******************

Volunteers Needed For Heritage Festival!

May 14, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Looking for something to do this Memorial Day weekend?

Come out and volunteer at the 2011 Dayton Heritage Festival! Volunteer opportunities are available in 2-4 hour shifts from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed in the Kid Zone, the main entry greeting visitors, assisting in directing parking traffic, the beer garden, operating the Wright Flyer Simulator, and to help withclean up immediately following the festival. Volunteers will receive an event t-shirt, premier, free parking, bottled water during their shift, and a food voucher.

For more info contact Jennifer Dean at 9372932841 ext. 119.

PUSH is searching for SINGLE Men!

May 6, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

“He’s a great guy! I wish I was attracted to him.” Ladies, how many times have you said this about your best single guy friend? Well here’s your chance to do something wonderful for him- nominate him for the 2nd annual Men in the City Charity Bachelor Auction. Hosted by Professionals United for Sexual Health (PUSH), a group of Planned Parenthood Advocates who support the organization through creative fundraisers like the auction.

According to their Facebook page:

We want to hear about your adorable, hard working, passionate, SINGLE, brothers, fathers, ex-boyfriends, friends, neighbors, co-workers, doctors, trainers, bartenders, bosses and/or elected officials!

Or gentlemen you can nominate yourself!

The Miami Valley’s most eligible bachelors will be auctioned off for charity.

WHERE: The Dayton Racquet Club
WHEN: August 19th, 2011
TIME: 7 pm-10pm, after party to follow at 10pm in bar.

Criteria for Nominees:
– Over the age of 21

Please send all nominations to [email protected]

INCLUDE:

-Your Name
-Your Email
-Nominee’s Name
-Nominee’s Age
-City
-Nominee’s Occupation/Industry/Field
-Nominee’s Phone #
-Nominee’s Email Address
-List 3 adjectives that best describe the nominee
-Explain why this person would make a good bachelor.
-2 Pictures or URL for their photo on Facebook, Flickr or another photo site:
-Will this person be willing to promote their event to friends?

Nominations will end on Wednesday, May 31st.

Candidate Selection
Please note that in the past, the number of nominations received has exceeded our capacity for auction participants and therefore, not every nominee may be selected to participate in the auction. A nomination is not a guarantee of participation in the auction; however, we will do our best to include as many nominated candidates as possible.

Another awesome event brought to you by PUSH – Professionals United for Sexual Health

Get Out & Give Back Dayton!

May 2, 2011 By Megan Cooper 1 Comment

Every year, Generation Dayton (the young professional arm of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce) celebrates their anniversary not by receiving gifts, but by giving the gifts of their time and talent to the community in the form of a major volunteer effort. This year, the effort is bigger than ever, and GenD is inviting ALL area young professionals to join them. You don’t have to be a Generation Dayton member to have a great time, enjoy lunch and spend a few hours making a difference in the community. It’s THIS Friday – RSVP now. More info on their Facebook event page.

So, that’s the “news,” here’s my opinion:

This is a fun way to meet some new people in an active setting where you’re making a tangible difference in the region. For anyone who feels out of place at “typical” networking events, this is a great opportunity to talk to some people, but busy yourself with the volunteering aspect when you run out of things to say. There’s lots of positive downtown vibes on the rise: recent news stories, new businesses, cool entertainment options popping up, the Activated Spaces team, and Urban Nights next week mean that there’s lots of buzz. This is a cool way for YPs to see it first hand; whether you’re a downtown advocate or a skeptic, you can be part of the solution. The GenD focus on downtown is a cool reminder that regardless of where YPs want to live, the urban core is important to us all. The partnership with RTA is an extra cool aspect. C’mon – do you really think the bus is THAT scary? Wouldn’t it be cool to ride free for a week and decide yourself if it’s convenient or not?

I want to hear more opinions. Has anyone been to this before (previously called “Generation Dayton Day)? If so – leave comments about what you thought below.

RSVP is required! Send your RSVP to LaDonna Wulfeck at [email protected]

Details from their Web site:

This Generation Dayton Day, in celebration of our organization’s 6th anniversary, we’re inviting our community to “Get Out, Give Back Dayton!” With additional support from our sponsor, Heidelberg Distributing Co., we’re putting a special focus on cleaning up and sprucing up our urban core! The new focus allows those with an interest in downtown development to roll up their sleeves and give back while aligning with a long-term group project known as Activated Spaces that seeks to bring vibrancy to now vacant storefronts. We’ll still visit local non-profits, as usual, too. There will be a little bit of something for everyone!

A 2011 BONUS: all volunteers may sign up for a 7 day transit pass from RTA, as providing our valuable feedback is an additional volunteer component of the event, and teams leaving downtown can ride together. RTA will provide each team with a round trip travel schedule, but if you want to ride the bus from work or home, you can receive further travel planning assistance by calling the customer service line.

Schedule of Events:

12 p.m. Meet for complimentary lunch at The Excelsior Building (207 E. 6th Street)

1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Give back to the community at assigned location

5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Celebrate shared experiences and accomplishments at location TBD

Available Project Sites: (Numbers in parenthesis = maximum volunteer spots available for each location)

Artemis Center (5), Cannery Art & Design Center (7), Catholic Social Services (10), Community Blood Center (8), Cooper Park (20), Crayons to Classrooms (6), Dayton Visual Arts Center (4), Downtown Dayton Curb Appeal (Various Projects), Downtown Dayton Partnership (6), Garden Station (8), Grace/YMCA childcare (6), House of Bread (10), Ronald McDonald House (10), United Rehabilitation Services (10), We Care Arts (4), Wesley Community Center (6), The Victory Project (6), YWCA (10)

To sign up to “Get Out, Give Back Dayton!” on Generation Dayton Day or for more information contact LaDonna Wulfeck, Generation Dayton’s program manager, by email to [email protected] or call (937) 226-8264.