On June 22, 2025 we volunteered from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the summer BBQ party hosted by GRACE at Manorhaven Beach Park. The original event was scheduled for June 14 but was postponed due to rain. Our responsibilities included event setup, food service, activity assistance, and cleanup—all aimed at making the event fun, organized, and welcoming for all attendees.
We arrived at noon to begin setting up before guests arrived. Working together, we pitched tents, arranged tables, and organized food and drinks. We helped prepare essential items like hamburger and hot dog buns, laid out skewers, set up grills, filled coolers with ice and drinks, and placed the GRACE sign prominently near the entrance. We also assisted in filling the piñata with candy and organizing the souvenir stand, which doubled as a fundraiser for AYLUS. This booth featured handmade pottery and small items that fascinated both kids and adults. Nearby, a sugar-painting artist skillfully crafted edible designs, which quickly became a crowd favorite, selling for $5 each.
At 1:00 PM, the BBQ officially opened to the public. Families began to arrive, and volunteers took on their assigned roles. Some were in charge of assembling burgers and hot dogs, making them look appetizing and easy to grab. Others handled drink distribution, organized fruit trays, and helped ensure that beef and lamb skewers were clearly separated and labeled. At the check-in center, volunteers greeted guests and directed them where to go. Food tickets were required—$15 for presale and $20 at the door—which covered meals and drinks.
By around 3:00 PM, most families had finished eating, and the entertainment began. A face-painting station opened, run by a volunteer, and quickly drew a long line of excited children. Meanwhile, the much-anticipated piñata event began. Kids eagerly took turns swinging, and when the piñata finally burst, candy poured out and sent everyone racing to collect as much as they could.
As the event started to wind down and families began to leave, we shifted to cleaning up. Volunteers disassembled tents, folded up tables, collected trash, packed away leftover supplies, and emptied the ice coolers. We also carefully boxed unsold souvenirs and ensured the park was left clean and organized.
To thank us for our help, GRACE treated all volunteers to free bubble tea and snacks from Vivi Bubble Tea. It was a small but thoughtful gesture that made the experience even more rewarding.
Volunteering that day was a truly enjoyable and fulfilling experience. We were able to support a joyful community event, help raise funds for a good cause, and work together in a spirit of collaboration and service. Seeing families smiling, kids laughing, and our efforts come together made the afternoon one to remember—and we’re looking forward to volunteering again soon.
Participated Members:
Connor Chan (5 hrs), Jeffrey Fang (5 hrs), Emma Wei (5 hrs), Charlotte Wu (5 hrs), Zihan Wang (2 hrs), Kayla Chu (5 hrs), Wilbur Wei (5 hrs), Hunter Chen (5 hrs)
