Samples of the World

GNCC’s signature event, Samples of the World, showcases a delectable array of culinary creations prepared by refugees, immigrants, friends of the Good Neighbor Community Center, as well as esteemed restaurants representing the diverse cultures of our community. This highly anticipated event was inaugurated in the year 2009. With this year's celebration, we commemorate an impressive milestone of 51 years of service.

This year's event will feature an array of features for attendees to enjoy:

• A delectable selection of culinary delights representing cuisines from around the world
• Musical performance by Daniel Martinez and colleague from Jarana Band
  
  
• A report detailing the impactful work carried out by the Good Neighbor Community Center
  
  
• An update on the Cultural Centers of Lincoln capital campaign that will host GNCC Healthy Food Center and several other cultural centers in Lincoln

Opportunities for participation as a volunteer:

Cooking | Before the event
Prepare food representing your country for the event. We will reimburse the ingredients used in cooking. Plan to prepare enough for approximately 300 people. If cooking at home is difficult, you can use the GNCC kitchen.
Food from businesses:
Showcase your food at the event. Notify us whether you will deliver or require pick-up. Provide business cards or posters for display at the table where guests will be sampling your food.

Setup Preparation | 10 am - September 5th

1. Arrive at College View SDA Church from 10 am.
2. Arrange tables, chairs, tablecloths, decorations, utensils, programs, and miscellaneous items in Heartland Hall.
3. Volunteers may return later, from 4:30 pm, to assist during the event.

Food Collection | Normally between 12 pm and 4 pm

1. Certain restaurants and volunteers are unable to deliver food.
2. We have assigned times to pick up food.
3. Pickups are scheduled after the venue is set up to keep the food warm.
4. The last pickup is usually at 4 pm, ensuring all food is at the venue by 4:30 pm.

Pre-Event Assistance | 4-5 pm

1. Light burners on chafing warmers.
2. Help volunteer cooks and restaurants bring food from their vehicles.
3. Set up food stations.
4. Verify guest tickets and sell tickets at the door.
5. Usher guests to their seats.
6. Usher assigned sponsors to their seats.
7. Ensure sufficient utensils on food tables.

During the Event | 5-7 pm

Food Serving: - Arrive by 4:30 pm for food table assignment

1. Serve food at different stations.  
2. Most volunteer cooks will cook and serve their food, but assistance is needed for that cook but cannot attend the event.  
3. Volunteers have the opportunity to sample food when guests are full and believe us, there is still very plenty for all volunteers.  

Water Station:

1. Replenish water and drinks in cups for guests. 

Guest Assistance and Cleanup:

1. Help guests carry food to their tables.
2. Assist in cleanup during the event, including emptying trash cans and collecting empty bowls and plates from tables. 

Post-Event Assistance | 7 pm until completion
We encourage volunteers to sign up for this time, as fewer people are available for cleanup especially in the kitchen. Activities include:

1. Clearing tables with trash.  
2. Removing and bagging tablecloths to be returned.
3. Folding and storing tables. 
4. Stacking and storing chairs.  
5. Emptying garbage cans.  
6. Loading non-church items into vehicles.  
7. Vacuuming the floors. 

Kitchen Cleanup:

1. Cleaning dishes that were used to serve food.  
2. Separating dishes belonging to the church and those from GNCC or the rental place.  
3. Wiping kitchen counters and mopping the floor if necessary.