We’re building a PRE-EVENT team of energetic, community-minded volunteers to make our 2nd Annual Paws & Peppers Chili Cook-Off (November 1, 2025, at Slow Pour Brewing, Lawrenceville, GA) the best yet!
Pre-Event Volunteer Meetings DetailsJoin us for our Pre-Event Chili Cook-Off Volunteer Meetings! These short but important gatherings are designed to keep everyone connected and prepared as we gear up for the event.
At each meeting, we will:
Share status updates on sponsorships, raffle donations, and outreach progress
Talk through tactics and strategies for approaching businesses and engaging the community
Provide helpful tips and tricks so you feel confident in your role
Give volunteers a chance to ask questions, share successes, and swap ideas
Re-stock you with fresh flyers, sponsor packets, and materials so you’re ready for your next round of outreach
Why it matters: These meetings keep everyone on the same page, ensure no opportunity slips through the cracks, and gives you the tools and confidence to represent Paw Project of Georgia in the community.
Below is a breakdown of the specific areas where we could use your help as well as some more details about each role:
You can select one or more roles that interest you:
Sponsorship & Raffle Solicitation
Flyer Distribution / Street Team
Social Media Promotion
Donation Pick-Ups & Delivery
Phone Outreach & Follow-Up
Once you sign up, our team will reach out with details, resources, and support so you feel confident in your role.
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Below are some additional details about each role and the different ways you can help before the big day (we will cover these at our Pre-Event Meetings too):
1. Sponsorship & Raffle Solicitation (BIGGEST NEED)
What You’ll Do:
Approach local businesses and introduce yourself as a volunteer with Paw Project of Georgia.
Share the event details and benefits of sponsorship (free chili entry, promotional exposure, helping save animals). See Sponsorship flyer.
If sponsorship isn’t an option, ask about donating a raffle item, gift card, or service.
If nothing else, ask permission to post a flyer in their store.
Collect contact info for follow-up.
Tips:
Always smile and thank them, even if they decline.
Carry sponsor packets and flyers with you at all times.
Keep conversations short and upbeat—business owners are busy.
Use the “3-level ask”: Sponsor → Raffle Item → Flyer.
2. Flyer Distribution & Street Team
What You’ll Do:
Deliver event flyers to coffee shops, gyms, breweries, pet stores, vet clinics, restaurants, and boutiques.
Ask if you can post flyers on community boards or windows.
Hand flyers to people in busy public spots (farmers markets, festivals, dog parks).
Talk briefly about the event and invite them to attend.
Tips:
Be friendly but not pushy—smile, hand them a flyer, and say one or two sentences like, “We’d love to see you at our Chili Cook-Off fundraiser for animals on Nov 1st at Slow Pour!”
Wear Paw Project gear or bring a dog (if appropriate)—it attracts attention. If you don't have anything, we can give you a Paw Project lanyard. :)
Keep flyers neat and visible in a folder or tote bag.
3. Social Media Street Team
What You’ll Do:
Share Paw Project’s posts about the Chili Cook-Off on your personal social media.
Social Media outlets like, Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and others.
Post in local community Facebook groups (with permission) about the event.
Tag businesses who donate raffle items and thank them publicly.
Create fun posts of your own (“Counting down to the Chili Cook-Off!”).
Find local event calendars and see about how we can go about getting our event on their calendars.
Tips:
Always use our event hashtag and tag Paw Project of Georgia. #Paws&PeppersChiliCook-Off #PawProjectofGeorgia
Keep posts upbeat, positive, and community-focused.
Use photos of animals, chili, and people—images get more engagement.
4. Donation Pick-Ups & Delivery Helpers
What You’ll Do:
Coordinate with businesses who agree to donate raffle items or gift cards.
Pick up the donation, thank them, and provide a receipt if needed.
Deliver the items to Paw Project for safe storage before the event.
Tips:
Be punctual—businesses appreciate quick, easy pick-ups.
Treat every donation, big or small, like it’s important.
Always thank the donor warmly and mention they’ll be recognized at the event.
5. Phone Outreach / Follow-Up Volunteers
What You’ll Do:
Call businesses who received sponsorship packets but haven’t committed.
Call past raffle donors to ask if they’d like to contribute again this year.
Confirm details for raffle item pick-ups.
Tips:
Be polite and brief—respect their time.
Always thank them, even if they decline.
Log responses carefully for the team’s records.
✨ Every role matters! Whether you’re out asking for raffle donations, dropping off flyers, or sharing online, your work helps make this year’s Chili Cook-Off bigger and better than ever—and every dollar raised saves more animals in Georgia.
Thank you for your support!
~Leah Renn (Co-Founder, Board Member, and Volunteer Marketing and Development Director)
*If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to LeahR@pawprojectga.org (note- she is a volunteer as well, and will do her best to get back to your emails within 24 hours if not sooner).