Gala Volunteering
Be a part of something extraordinary—volunteer for the Meals on Wheels San Francisco Annual Star Chefs & Vintners Gala on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Fort Mason! This elegant black-tie affair is one of the city’s most celebrated culinary events, featuring top chefs and vintners from across the Bay Area. Even more importantly, it raises one-third of the funds needed to deliver nutritious meals and vital wellness checks to over 5,000 homebound seniors and adults with disabilities.
Your time and talent make a real impact. Volunteer shifts fill up quickly, so don’t wait—sign up today to secure your spot. Whether you’re helping behind the scenes or greeting guests, you’ll be part of an inspiring night that helps nourish and care for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Please note: May 18 is also Bay to Breakers, so plan ahead for city travel to ensure a timely arrival.
WHEN
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Volunteer Jobs
Auction Item Check-Out
Help us end the evening on a high note by assisting guests with a smooth and seamless auction check-out experience. As an Auction Check-Out Assistant, you’ll be the final point of contact for guests claiming their silent auction winnings. You’ll greet guests, verify their payment status, and coordinate the hand-off of their auction items. This role requires attention to detail, comfort using computers, and great people skills.
Sunday, May 18th
Coat Check
Join our front-of-house team and help set the tone for an unforgettable evening! As a Coat Check Assistant, you’ll be one of the first (and last) friendly faces our guests see. In this role, you’ll welcome attendees, securely check their coats, and ensure they receive a claim ticket. You’ll help keep personal items safe and organized throughout the night, all while maintaining a warm and professional presence.
Sunday, May 18th
Event & Catering Set Up + Staging
Assist with Gala catering team and vendor Taste Catering with set-up and staging. As a set-up volunteer, you’ll assist with placing linens, glassware, flatware, tables, chairs, and décor throughout the event space. Other duties as may be asked to help transform Fort Mason into a stunning venue for this formal and impactful fundraiser.
Friday, May 16th
Saturday, May 17th
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Shift is FULL
Chef Fulfillment
Step into the heart of the action! As a Chef Fulfillment Assistant, you’ll support Taste Catering and participating chefs during the hors d’oeuvres and cocktail reception, helping ensure their needs are met quickly and efficiently. This is a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes role perfect for volunteers who thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy being part of a culinary production. You’ll be an essential link between chefs and catering staff, helping keep service running smoothly.
Sunday, May 18th
Floaters
Are you adaptable, upbeat, and ready to help wherever needed? Join us as an Event Floater! This essential role helps ensure the night runs smoothly by filling in wherever extra hands are needed—from welcoming guests to assisting with wine pouring or covering for other volunteers. This is a “hurry up and wait” position, meaning there may be quiet moments followed by fast-paced tasks. Floaters are key to keeping everything on track and providing support across the event.
Sunday, May 18th
- 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Shift is FULL.
Office Admin
Want to help behind the scenes? Join our team in the days leading up to the Gala! Volunteers will assist with a variety of tasks at the Meals on Wheels San Francisco offices to help prepare for our biggest fundraising event of the year. From organizing materials to assembling packets and handling light administrative tasks, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring everything is ready for a smooth and successful event.
Wednesday, May 14
Friday, May 16
Thursday, May 15
Saturday, May 17
Silent Auction Guest Relations
Become the friendly face of our Silent Auction! As a Guest Relations volunteer, you will be instrumental in ensuring guests feel welcomed and excited throughout the auction experience. Your role includes greeting guests, answering questions about auction items, and providing guidance on bidding procedures—all while keeping a watchful eye on the security of the valuable auction items. When the auction closes, you will assit with packaging up items, and move items to the redemption room.
Sunday, May 18th
Silent Auction Monitor
Help safeguard one of the most exciting parts of the evening—the Silent Auction! You’ll play a crucial behind-the-scenes role in ensuring the auction area remains secure and orderly after setup is complete. Your primary responsibility will be to keep a watchful eye on the auction tables, helping to prevent tampering or loss, and ensuring everything remains in place before, during, and after bidding.
Sunday, May 18th
Silent Auction Set Up
Help set the stage for one of the most anticipated features of the evening! You will assist in transforming the auction area into a beautifully displayed and organized space that invites guest engagement and generous bidding. You’ll work alongside staff and fellow volunteers to move auction items from onsite storage to the display area, assist with arranging and merchandising the items, and help place signage and bid sheets.
Sunday, May 18th
Venue Check-In
Be the first point of contact for our vendors, participating chefs & vintners, sommeliers, catering staff etc.! As a Venue Check-In assistant, you’ll play a key role in welcoming and directing everyone who helps bring the Star Chefs & Vintners Gala to life. You will ensure everyone is properly credentialed and knows exactly where to go. Your friendly and efficient guidance helps set the tone for a smooth and successful event.
Sunday, May 18th
Water & Soda Station Assistant
Keep our guests and participants refreshed throughout the night! As a Water & Soda Station Assistant, you’ll help ensure that chefs, vintners, and gala guests stay hydrated and comfortable during the event. In this role, you’ll assist with pouring and serving water and soda, restocking supplies as needed, and keeping the station clean, organized, and inviting.
Sunday, May 18th