Table Host Informational Meeting

Table Host Informational Meeting Monday, September 25th 7-8:00 p.m. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1310 Shepherd Drive, Naperville, IL

The Process

THANK YOU for volunteering to be a Table Host. You will be playing a vital role in the success of these nights, and we couldn’t be more grateful for you.

To begin, think through your network of friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers — who do you think should hear about Young Life and with whom would you enjoy spending an evening? They don’t necessarily need to have middle school or high school aged-kids. Feel free to use the enclosed list if that will help. Start talking up the Banquet!!!

Next, You will receive an email from MinistrySync.com which will have a link to the website where you can manage your guest (send invitations, receive replies, status of emails, send emails, etc). You will also receive a sample invitation so you can see the invitation your friends will receive. Guests can RSVP on the website or call the host to register guests. Please contact a banquet coordinator if you want invitations to mail or hand deliver.

After your initial invites, please follow-up with folks from whom you have not heard back. If you think you can fill another table, keep on going! If you’re hearing a lot of “sorry, we’re busy that night”, feel free to give us a call and we can help brainstorm some more folks you can invite. Do not worry if you cannot fill a table, we will combine your table with people from the same school or ministry.

Finally, on the night of the Banquet, we ask that you show up 15 minutes early so you’re able to greet your guests as they arrive. Once the event begins, kick back, relax, and have fun with your guests!

If you are interested in helping with set-up, please contact the banquet coordinators.

District 203 : Kris Nerud (630) 865-5053 [email protected]

District 204: Therese Mikulecky (630) 336-8069 [email protected]

That’s it! Key Info and Sample Script

The Details

District 203 Young Life Naperville & Aurora 2017 Annual Banquet Sunday, October 22nd 6:00-8:00 p.m. Grace Point Church 1320 Chicago Avenue Naperville, IL 60540 Banquet Coordinator: Kris Nerud

District 204 Young Life Naperville & Aurora 2017 Annual Banquet Saturday, October 28th 6:00-8:00 p.m. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1310 Shepherd Drive Naperville, IL 60565 Banquet Coordinator: Therese Mikulecky

Banquet Description

The Young Life Banquet will be a 2-hour event designed to celebrate all that’s happening in our communities through Young Life and raise awareness of the ministry. We’ll share a catered meal together, hear real-life stories from students and adults impacted by Young Life, and have a little fun while we’re at it. The Banquet is also our primary fundraiser for the year, and there will be an invitation at the end of the evening to make a financial contribution to Young Life.

What could I say?

“Hello! I am part of a group of people involved with Young Life in our community, a Christian organization for high school and middle school students. On DATE, there’s going to be a dinner to celebrate and share the vision of this organization, and we’d love to have you join us for the fun. Are you available that evening?”

Please see attached FAQ as a resource if needed! Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a table host? A: Being a table host is simple: make a list of friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to invite to the Banquet; make the invitation via electronically, snail mail, e-mail, or phone; follow-up if need be. That’s it! We’re hoping each Table Host will fill a table of 8, but you’re certainly welcome to fill more tables if you’d like!

Q: What’s the purpose of the Banquet? A: We hope each banquet accomplishes three things: celebrate the year of ministry; raise awareness and understanding of Young Life; and raise the necessary money to fund the ongoing work of the ministry. While we will provide an opportunity at the end of the night to partner with us financially, there is no financial obligation.

Q: How do I know which Banquet to attend? A: Great question! Please attend the Banquet for the school district your child attends or has attended, or where you have a connection. Each banquet will feature stories from Young Life leaders and students from the specific schools, but you’re free to attend whichever banquet you choose.

Q: Will this cost me anything? Is there food? A: The Young Life Banquets are absolutely free! And yes, dinner will be provided; come hungry!

Q: Can our kids come with us? A: While we’ll have opportunities for junior high and high school students to participate in the evening’s festivities, the Banquets will be only for adults.

Q: Do I / we need to invite people that have kids in middle school or high school? A: Not at all! Our hope is that everyone in the community, regardless of their involvement with any school, knows what Young Life is and its impact on our communities. In fact, most of our adult Committee does not have kids in school anymore/yet.

Q: How can I explain Young Life to someone who doesn’t know it very well? A: Young Life is an international, non-denominational, Christian ministry whose mission is to introduce kids to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. Young Life in Naperville & Aurora is thriving in each high school and middle school in Districts 203 and 204 and includes a ministry called Capernaum for students with special needs. You’ll find dedicated Young Life staff and volunteers all around town, hanging out with kids and building relationships in hopes of sharing their lives and their faith. Young Life’s vision is that EVERY kid, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or socio-economic status will have the opportunity to meet Jesus Christ and follow him.

Q: How does Young Life survive financially? It’s a non-profit, right? A: Correct! Young Life happens solely through the generous donations of local businesses, churches, and most importantly, families. We maintain an annual operating budget, and our fiscal year begins in September. If you’d like more information, feel free to contact our Committee Chair, Debbie Chun at (630) 209-0445.

Q: I / We are not able to attend any of the Banquets, but we’d still like to help — what can we do? A: We’d still love to have you invite folks to attend. We can help match your guests with other table hosts that make sense. If you’re unable to attend and would like to make a donation, you can donate at this link: NapervilleAurora.YoungLife.org

Q: Is Young Life affiliated with a church? A: Young Life is a non-denominational organization, meaning it is not affiliated with any specific church or denomination. We do greatly encourage kids to become active in a church, as we believe this is a great way to solidify and grow in their faith. Invite List

Can they Follow-up Name Phone / Email attend? needed?