About Fundraising in Action!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch! We call our program Fundraising in Action — in exchange for your group’s work as volunteers, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch donates funds to your non-profit group. This is a valuable exchange for both parties.
Vala’s hires over 900 part-time employees each fall, but we still find it difficult to have enough employees during our peak weekends. Helping hands from volunteer crews make all the difference to our hard-working staff, taking some of the stress out of long weekend days with fresh, eager attitudes and enthusiasm. In exchange, volunteers get a chance to bond with each other and make new friends in a fast-paced, fun work environment, all while fundraising for their cause and helping Vala’s create Magical Memories for our guests.
Two Ways for Your Group to Raise Funds
These opportunities provide a way for more groups to be involved, as well as offer a variety of areas for groups to volunteer, build team camaraderie, and of course fund raise for your organization.
- Your group can commit to taking over a small location at Vala’s. This could be for groups of 4-10 volunteers. Groups will operate within one of our smaller locations, ranging from Kettle Corn to our Slushie Station. Training will be provided. Committing to a location involves up to 4 days a week from September 1 through October 31. Day and evening shifts are available. This is great for groups seeking to raise additional funds, working at a set location, doing more team building, and sharing information about your organization and the Fundraising in Action program. For more information, contact volunteers@valaspumpkinpatch.com
- Your group can choose 2-3 days to come out and volunteer. Locations will be assigned the day of volunteering. Options include our food and attractions locations or helping to pick apples in our orchard. This opportunity is for groups of 8-10 people.
The Details:
- Age Requirement: All volunteers must be at least 16 years old. No exceptions.
- Number of People Needed: We would like each group to bring 8 to 10 volunteers each day they are signed up. If you are committing to a small location for part of or all of the season, our volunteer coordinator will work with you on number of people needed, typically this is 4-10 people.
- Hours: Shifts include 10am to 9pm or 5pm-9pm/10pm on week days and Saturdays and Sundays. You can split your volunteers into two shifts — 10am to 4pm and 3pm to 9pm. A note about shifts, if you split the shifts into two groups you will need double the amount of volunteers. Some groups choose to volunteer the entire shift while others have volunteers that will do one shift.
- Payment: Vala’s Pumpkin Patch will donate $10 per hour volunteered per person to each volunteer’s organization. See Cancellation below if your group needs to cancel for any reason or you do not have enough volunteers.
- Cancellations: We may decide we no longer need your group on a certain day, and in that event we will do our best to contact you 48-hours in advance, so you can inform your volunteers. In the event of bad weather, we may also decide to cancel, we will give you 24-hours notice about weather cancellations.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers will usually be teamed up in pairs and work closely with Vala’s Pumpkin Patch employees. Tasks are mostly food-related, including bagging kettle corn, refilling ice and drinks, washing dishes, and cleaning tables. Other opportunities are apple picking, helping at one of our attractions, or committing to volunteer at a small location during the season. Download the Vala’s Fundraising in Action – Tasks document to learn more details about the opportunities available.
Ready to help us create Magical Memories?
Sign Up to Volunteer
Mark your calendars! Sign up will be online, and all slots will open June 1, 2022. Please talk with your group organizers so you are prepared to sign up. There are a limited number of days and spots available and they will fill up quickly. Each group may sign up for 2-3 days of volunteering.
Please note there will be a deadline established for your group to find volunteers and sign up. This helps us by knowing if a group is full or may need to be cancelled due to no one signing up. This gives us time to try to offer the time to our waiting list. Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact your group if there is not enough signed up and work with you to make a decision on if your group will be able to volunteer.
Volunteer Screening:
In order to volunteer with Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard and for us to maintain a level of safety for our guests and employees, each prospective volunteer will go through a screening process that includes:
- Complete the volunteer application and waiver
- Screened through the online Department of Justice Sex Offender Registry
Training:
As a volunteer with Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard, we want you to be safe and enjoy your time on the farm. Prior to your group’s volunteer time, your group members will be able to view a short online introduction and training to help start your volunteer experience. More on site training will be provided as needed and depending on the location/tasks assigned.
Waiting List:
If the date(s) you would like are full please email us at volunteers@valaspumpkinpatch.com to be added to our waiting list.
Cancelling:
If your group is scheduled and not able to fulfill the commitment, please edit your submission online and also contact us as soon as possible so we have time to contact a replacement group. Email volunteers@valaspumpkinpatch.com
2022 DATES – September & October
September Festival Weekends (Weekends All Day)
10am – 8pm
September 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday)
September 9th, 10th, & 11th (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
September 16th, 17th, & 18th (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
September 23rd, 24th, & 25th (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
September 30th (Friday)
October (Week Day, Evenings, & Weekends All Day)
10am – 9pm or 5pm – 9pm/10pm
October 1st & 2nd (Saturday & Sunday)
October 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday – Columbus Day)
October 12th – 23rd Week Day, Evenings, & Weekends
October 28th, 29th, 30th, & 31st (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday)
Do you need more information to share with your group?
You can contact our Volunteer Coordinators at volunteers@valaspumpkinpatch.com or download our Volunteer Packet today to share with your group.
About COVID-19:
An inherent risk to COVID-19 exposure exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is a contagious disease that may cause severe illness or death. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that senior citizens, anyone with an immunocompromised system, or underlying medical condition may be more vulnerable. As a volunteer at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard, you will be working directly with the public, fellow volunteers, and staff members during every shift. Please take the time to understand the risks of COVID-19 and make your own decision about volunteering this year accordingly.