For our Volunteer Appreciation event, we had a fun and casual BBQ. We hired a great Marimba band that added a lively vibe to the BBQ. The band invited audience participation so people could try out the marimba or congos, dance, or just listen. We had door prizes (gift cards to local restaurants, movie theaters, bookstores, and coffee cards, as well as some nice wine from local vineyards.) We did not include a formal recognition ceremony due to feedback we had received from volunteers at previous events. We felt it was important to recognize EVERY volunteer rather than single people out. So we presented the awards to them individually. It really worked out well. No one felt left out if they didn't receive a reward because we all expressed our appreciation to them personally. Staff and volunteers really had time to mingle and get to know each other better. We had done formal banquets in the past - but everyone loved the relaxed and fun atmosphere so we will definitely do this again!