Volunteers

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center

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Night Of Volunteer Information

EVENT INFORMATION

  • Event: 40th Annual Chocolate Ball
  • Day & Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
  • Location: Rochester Riverside Convention Center (123 E. Main Street)
  • Volunteer Call Time: 4:00 pm
  • Event Time: 5:30 – 11:00 pm

PARKING & PARKING VALIDATION

  • Please park in the South Avenue Garage (39 Stone Street).
  • We will validate your parking.

ATTIRE

  • This is a black-tie optional event and guests generally wear cocktail attire and up, with some in tuxedoes. Though with the 1920’s theme, we anticipate most of our guests will dress on theme.
  • We encourage volunteers to get into the 1920’s theme as well! For those who are interested, full outfits for men and women are available on Amazon.
  • You may also choose to wear something else and take advantage of “add-ons” of which we will have some available including as strands of pearls, fascinators, suspenders, page boy and fedora hats, and arm garters.
    • For a typically feminine look, we recommend a basic black or cream cocktail dress and you can borrow some pearls, gloves and/or a fascinator.
    • For a typically masculine look, we recommend wearing dark slacks and a white button down shirt and you can borrow arm garters, a hat and suspenders. 

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS

  • Have Fun!: Yes, we’re putting you to work, but we hope you enjoy your time with us!
  • Phones: When visible to guests, please remain off your phone unless you are communicating about the event.
  • Drinks: Volunteers may get a drink at the bar; however, professional behavior is expected.  Please know your limits and proceed accordingly.
  • Cake Sampling & Voting: As time permits, volunteers may break away from their duties to sample and vote for their favorite cake.  Please coordinate with your Lead Volunteer so we can ensure full coverage at each station.
  • Silent Auction: Volunteers are welcome to participate in the silent auction and the cake raffle, though you will need a bid number to do so.  Please register at the Check-In table by 5:00 pm as you will need a bid number and a text with a link specific to your account as bidding for the Silent Auction is done on phones.
  • Dinner: A volunteer dinner will be served in the Volunteer Room starting at 7:00 pm.  Each meal will be packaged individually and kept warm in a hot box.  Please review your schedule and break for dinner at a time that does not interfere with your assignments.
  • Schedule: Please thoroughly review your schedule and know when you need to report for specific assigned duties.  The success of this event depends upon flawless execution.  This can only happen if everyone is where they are where they need to be when they are supposed to be.
  • Lead Volunteers: A Lead Volunteer has been appointed to most of the volunteer stations.  Please work with this person to troubleshoot any issues.
  • Dancing: Yes, please do if you have finished your assignments!  Though please be mindful of breakdown and clean up responsibilities.
  • Departing the Event: Please check in with an EPI staff member before leaving. We understand it can be a long night, though we need assistance at the end and count on volunteers to help.
  • Jill Johnson’s Business Card: Things may arise that you are uncertain about how to handle. Please take a couple business cards to have with you during the evening and give to any guest that would like more information about EPI or has a question you don’t know how to answer.  If you encounter a particularly troubling situation, try to work with your Lead Volunteer.  If that is not an option, text/call Jill Johnson at (310) 995-6810.