For the purpose of this field visit, I chose to observe a special brunch dedicated to honoring the parents who served as volunteers at Spanish River Christian School during the 1999-2000 school year. The brunch was held in the Chapel on May 26, 2000, at 9:00 AM.

There was an obvious set of objectives in operation. The purpose of this brunch was to convey a sense of appreciation on behalf of the school to the parent volunteers. The two speakers, Sharon Demko, Principal, and Missie Stein, Parent-Teacher Fellowship President, greeted the volunteers as they arrived. As each parent arrived, he/she was presented with a name tag, which had been calligraphied in advance. Parents were encouraged to mingle for approximately fifteen minutes prior to the formal commencement of the brunch.

The site was conducive to the purposes intended. Twenty round tables with rose-colored tablecloths were set up in the Chapel. Each table had the capacity to seat eight participants in padded chairs, which provided ample room as well as comfort. On each table was a fresh vase of flowers. In addition, bookmarks with the message, "Volunteers Brighten Lives" had been placed on the tables for each participant. The effect when the parents entered the room was one that communicated warmth and tranquility.

Although many of the parents knew each other and self-selected to sit together, there was an obvious attempt on the part of many to make the acquaintance of someone they did not know. This type of interaction was greatly facilitated by the use of the name tags, which eliminated the sometimes awkward situation of knowing someone slightly but not being able to recall his/her name.

After a brief period of informality, parents were asked to take their seats. The PTF President, Missie Stein, then addressed the group. Although her speech contained no audio-visual aids (music, slides, etc.), her words painted a picture of someone whose own tragedy (her husband was killed in an automobile accident two years ago) had been made more bearable because of the generosity of people from the school community who volunteered their time to comfort her in her grief. She spoke tenderly about the effect so much love and caring had on her own children and thanked the many people who continue to give of themselves, not just to her family, but to the many families of the school. Ms. Stein then proceeded to thank the people who had worked diligently with fund-raisers (Auction, Family Festival of Fun, Wrapping Paper Sale, Magazine Sale) to make this year so successful financially. She closed with a scripture verse elevating those with a servant heart and was greeted with genuine smiles and enthusiastic applause as she concluded her address.

Next, Sharon Demko, Principal, thanked the parents for all that they have done in support of the school, specifically parents who volunteered their time in the classroom. She enumerated the number of ways in which parents helped to make the year so beneficial for students, from "Computer Moms" to "Library Assistants" to "Sports Club Volunteers" to "Spelling Parents." Ms. Demko concluded her speech by asking each of the parents to stand and introduce himself/herself. Following introductions, Ms. Demko offered a prayer of blessing for the food that would immediately be served.

The brunch was a delicious smorgasbord of fruit, eggs, bacon, bagels, and pastries. As parents queued at the buffet table, they engaged in pleasant conversation, which continued as they sat at their tables. There was also a great deal of mingling from table to table.

It was evident from observing this occasion that a great deal of preparation had gone into making the Volunteer Brunch a success. Name tags, flowers, color coordination, and good food all contributed to providing an atmosphere that reiterated the objectives of the brunch—to make the volunteers feel valued and appreciated.

It would have been a nice addition to include music (in presentation format and/or as background following the speeches). Appropriate music would have added another dimension to an already delightful morning.

As I talked with a number of the parents, they indicated how delighted they were at being treated to such a wonderful brunch. Their perceptions of being held in high esteem by the school only served to motivate them to return with increased dedication next year. Thus, I conclude that the objectives of the event were definitely met.