Deciding on a theme can be a treat for a Volunteer Coordinator. One year we decided to recognize our volunteers with a late luncheon titled, "Our Volunteers are Shining Stars". The theme took on a Hollywood/Academy Awards motiff. The colors chosen were black, gold and white. A long red carpet (a remnant) was laid out for our stars to walk on as they entered the event. We even had a "paparazzi" there taking pictures (staff simply taking pictures to record the event). Bouquets of black, white, and gold latex balloons were placed everywhere. Black tablecloths with gold overlays (gold lame cloth purchased from a remnant store) decorated each table. For the backdrop, a "hill" was cut-out of donated ply-wood and painted black, white letters cutout of foam board were placed on the hill spelling out "HOLLYWOOD". Our Christmas lights were strung out to resemble twinkling stars. Each of our volunteers was given a T-shirt with a star shooting across the front stating "I am a Shining Star Volunteer of the Costa Mesa Senior Center". They all seemed to enjoy the shirt. We chose a shirt as that year's gift so that they could be recognized in an everyday setting. Those being specially honored for their services were given a certificate and an "Oscar" statuette, inexpensively purchased from a local party store. All in all the was a gala affair that has yet to be forgotten.