FAQs

How do I register?  The website says registration is not open.

Registration for guests, volunteers and buddies will be available Friday, August 22nd through Friday, September 19th.  Once registration is full it will be closed for the 2025 event and we will not be able to accept any additional guests or volunteers.

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• A guest is someone 14 or older with special needs.  Guests walk the red carpet, enjoy a meal with a buddy, attend a talent show and then of course there's dancing involved!

• A buddy is a volunteer who is assigned to a specific guest.  Your role as a buddy is to help your guest navigate the events of the evening and ensure he/she is having a great time.  This is the perfect volunteer role for a parent or caregiver wanting to attend with a guest.  The care provider will simply register as a buddy volunteer and include the name of the guest he/she plans to attend with.

• A volunteer is anyone who is not a guest.  There are many volunteer roles that can be found on our website under the volunteer section.  While a buddy is considered a volunteer there is a separate registration general volunteers vs the buddy volunteer.

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Why do I need to register to volunteer?​

Volunteers are randomly background checked and run through the sex offender database.  This is for the safety of our guests.  All volunteers must register and provide ID to enter the event.  If you are a minor you will not need an ID.  

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Why do I need to register to volunteer?​

Volunteers are randomly background checked and run through the sex offender database.  This is for the safety of our guests.  All volunteers must register and provide ID to enter the event.  If you are a minor you will not need an ID.  

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Can I attend The Great Banquet with my son or daughter who is a guest?

Yes, but everyone attending MUST register.  To attend with a son or daughter you MUST register as a Buddy Volunteer.  The Buddy Volunteer registration can be found under the Get Involved section of our website during the open registration period.  Open registration for the 2025 event will be from Friday, August 22nd through Friday, September 19th.

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Do I need to attend the Buddy training if I’m a parent or caregiver of a guest? 

No, parents or caregivers attending as Buddy Volunteers may arrive at the same time as their guest.

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Can I attend with my child or friend if I have not registered?

No, all guests and volunteers MUST register.  If you wish to attend as a caregiver for your child you MUST register as a buddy.  If your child wants The Great Banquet to assign a buddy volunteer to be paired with for the evening and you can register to volunteer in another role but you MUST register to volunteer.

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Why do I need to register to volunteer? 

Volunteers are randomly background-checked and run through the sex offender database for the safety of our guests. All volunteers must register and provide an ID to enter the event. Minors are not required to present an ID.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

• 12-15: May serve without an adult (party crowd only).

• 8-11: May serve with an adult (party crowd only; one student per adult).

• 16-20: May serve in all roles except medical and security.

• 21+: May serve in all roles.

• Security and Medical: Must be trained professionals (medical volunteers must have CPR/First Aid certification; security volunteers must be trained and serve on the Crossroads security team).

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What are the requirements to serve on the security team? 

Security volunteers must be trained and currently serving on a Crossroads security team. The Great Banquet follows Crossroads’ security protocol.

 

 

What is required to serve as a medical volunteer? 

Medical volunteers must be CPR and First Aid certified. Typically, this team includes nurses, doctors, and EMT-certified individuals who can respond in an emergency.

 

 

When will I receive information regarding my assigned volunteer team? 

You should receive a confirmation email immediately upon registering.  You will receive an email from info@greatbanquetcincinnati.com (general volunteers) or buddyinfo@greatbanquetcincinnati.com (buddies) by Wednesday, September 24th with the specific details of your volunteer assignment. If you don’t receive an email, first check your spam or junk mail, then email us, info@greatbanquetcincinnati.com. Add our email to your contacts to ensure you receive event communications.

 

 

Why was I not assigned to my first-choice volunteer role? 

Volunteer roles are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If your first choice is unavailable, we will place you in your second or third choice. Late registrations may have limited options. The most needed roles are party crowd and buddies.

I haven’t received any emails from you. 

Add info@greatbanquetcincinnati.com to your contact list and check your spam or junk mail. If you still haven’t received an email by September 24th, contact us.  Our email is info@greatbanquetcincinnati.com.

 

 

What is the party crowd? 

The party crowd is critical to the event’s success. Volunteers cheer for guests during the red carpet walk and serve as the hype crowd during dancing and the talent show. This role requires standing for extended periods, but breaks will be provided.  This is a great option for families who want to volunteer with younger kids.

 

 

When is the formal attire giveaway? 

The formal attire giveaway sponsorship and date have not been set yet for the 2025 Great Banquet. Once details are finalized they will be available on our website under Guest Details.​

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Do I need to register for the formal attire giveaway?

It is highly encouraged that you use the link on our website to register for this event.  This is to help us ensure your size is available!  Registration will be available once event details have been finalized.

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Will there be a gluten free food option for guests?

Yes. Please indicate this on your registration. Gluten-free guests will be served Applegate gluten-free nuggets from Target, fruit from Chick-fil-A, and Lays classic potato chips.​​

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Is this a Crossroads event?

No, Crossroads is a generous sponsor providing the use of its facility to host our event. We are a separate non-profit fully supported by sponsors and donors. Kingdom Inclusion (www.kingdominclusion.com) finances The Great Banquet.

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What happens if I can no longer attend after registering?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend by emailing info@greatbanquetcincinnati.com. This helps us adjust roles and assignments to ensure the event runs smoothly.

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What is the cost to attend The Great Banquet? 

The event is free for guests and volunteers, thanks to our generous sponsors.

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What should I wear to The Great Banquet?
Guests are encouraged to dress up in formal attire, but the event is about celebrating, so come as you feel comfortable! Buddies and party crowd will also wear formal attire.  All other volunteers should wear black pants with a white shirt.

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What accessibility accommodations are available for guests?
We strive to make The Great Banquet as accessible as possible. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and we can provide sensory-friendly spaces or assistance as needed. Please indicate any specific accommodations on your registration form, or email us, info@greatbanquetcincinnati.com, if you have questions.

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Can I donate items instead of money?
Absolutely! We have an Amazon wish list for needed items, and we also accept in-kind donations. Visit the donate section on our website or email us at info@greatbanquetcincinnati.com for more details.

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What safety measures are in place for guests and volunteers?
We prioritize safety by conducting background checks on volunteers, having trained medical staff on-site, and following the security protocol set by Crossroads. Additionally, we maintain clear emergency response procedures throughout the event.

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Will there be photography or videography at the event?
Yes, professional photographers and videographers will capture moments during the evening. All event photos will be posted in a gallery available on our website within 2 weeks of the event.

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Can I help set up for the event?
Yes! We need volunteers to assist with setup before the event. We will post a sign up for these volunteer roles when registration opens.  These roles are vital to the event's success. 

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Is childcare available for volunteers?
We are unable to provide childcare at the event. However, many families make arrangements for younger children while parents or older siblings volunteer.

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I left something at The Great Banquet. How can I get it back? 

Lost items are placed in the lost and found at the hosting venue, Crossroads East Side. Contact the venue directly or email us at info@greatbanquetcincinnati.com to coordinate retrieval.

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Is this event the same as Tim Tebow's "A Night to Shine"? 

The events are similar, but we are not associated with the Tim Tebow Foundation.