Gig Harbor Film Festival: Three Cheers for the Volunteers

Poodle skirts, dancing and root beer floats set the tone for the James Dean-themed Volunteer Appreciation Party on Saturday evening. The board members hosted the event in honor of their volunteers who have helped out for past three years.

About 80 volunteers, decked out in their 50s costumes, attended the party at the

"The board of directors and the advisory board members were the volunteers for the evening to ensure this night was for the volunteers," said GHFF co-founder and executive director Marty Thacker, who attended sans her . It was their way of saying "thank you" to their dedicated volunteers, she said.

The GHFF volunteer coordinator Jeni Woock said she currently works with about 100 volunteers. Their jobs range from screening the films, putting on parties and promoting the event.

While the organization is set to host its fourth festival this year ("The Reel Magic" on Oct. 14-16), Woock said they are always recruiting new volunteers.

"We only rely on word-of-mouth to let the people know about the (festival)," she said. 

Throughout the evening, the volunteers and board members buzzed with excitement for their float for the upcoming parade at the on Saturday. This will be the first year for the GHFF to enter their own independent float. 

According to what the volunteers have told me, it sounds like it will definitely be one of the must-see floats at the parade this year.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Gig Harbor Film Festival, go to www.gigharborfilmfestival.org or call 253-851-3456.