Wendy Cheng has been a dedicated YWCA Luncheon Table Captain for so long that she’s lost count. “Maybe 15 years?” she speculated.
Over time, her involvement grew, and she co-chaired the event for several of its 25 years alongside Claire Siegel and a few other friends.
One common misconception Wendy shared about being a Table Captain (TC) is that you’re responsible for purchasing tickets for the entire table. Yes, a few TCs may choose to treat the whole table, but most simply extend invitations to a few friends who purchase their own tickets.
Another myth is that you have to recruit friends who will be big donors. “Yes, the luncheon is a fundraiser,” Wendy says, “but the goal is to have a diverse cross-section of the community attend. The luncheon is also about growth—introducing new people and new energy to our mission of helping survivors break free from domestic violence.”
Wendy suggests starting small by inviting groups you’re already a part of, like workout buddies, book clubs, or church friends. She recalls her own humble beginning, filling just half a table by asking four tennis friends to join. From there, word spread. Soon, friends were asking to bring co-workers or family members, and she found herself filling not just one-half, but two full tables of ten.
Today, the process is simpler than ever with online ticketing. Wendy provides her guests with easy instructions: choose an entrée, note any allergies, and pay online. If you prefer, checks are fine too.
“It’s really that simple,” she says. “Then all that’s left is showing up to enjoy lunch, reconnect with friends, and hear an inspiring speaker.”
Wendy’s story shows that being a Table Captain isn’t about having deep pockets or a vast network—it’s about sharing your passion for the YWCA mission and creating opportunities for others to get involved. If that sounds like something you would enjoy, reach out to Kirsten: kschober@ywcaww.org. Or call 509-525-2570 and let the YWCA office know you’d like to learn more about being a Luncheon Table Captain.