Volunteers

Starlight Starbright's volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization.  Without the commitment of those who believe in our cause, Starlight could hardly fulfill our promise to thousands of the Midwest's chronically ill children. As a volunteer, you will get to experience the unmatched feeling of fulfillment that comes with bringing joy to a sick child.

Learn more about our Volunteer Programs OR Internship Programs.

Whether it is time, money, in-kind donations, or sponsorships, you can help directly impact the success of our programs - becoming a Starlight Starbright volunteer is easy! 

Step 1: Complete a volunteer application and background release form.
Step 2: Receive weekly Volunteer Emails and sign up for available volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Programs

Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation Midwest has many exciting volunteer opportunities.  Some of these opportunities are long-term (4 - 12 month committment) while others are one time projects which can be completed in a few hours.  Starlight Starbright provides training for each volunteer assignment.

Long term volunteer opportunities
Program Services
Great Escapes Planning Committee
Great Escapes Birthday Card Committee

Special Events
Dream Date Dreamer's Draw Committee
Dream Date Trips Committee
Dream Date Logistics Committee 
Special Event Host Committee 

Short term volunteer opportunities
Program Services
Great Escapes event volunteer 

Special Events
Event volunteer (Dream Date, Gala, Wine Tasting)
Casino Night volunteer 

As an intern at Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation - Midwest, you will have the opportunity to join our team of six employees as we continually work to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families.  Internship positions are available year round, typically in the spring, summer and fall.  All internship positions require a minimum 10-week commitment and at least 16 hours per week; full-time positions are available and encouraged.  While Starlight Starbright internships are unpaid, a travel stipend is available for individuals commuting via public transportation.  Undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate candidates are encourage to apply.

Starlight Starbright's Internship Program strives to meet the following objectives:

• Provide valuable opportunities for academic and professional development within a pre-eminent non-profit organization.
• Provide young professionals with the opportunity to contribute to the fulfillment of Starlight Starbright's mission through successful completion of independent projects.
• Provide meaningful opportunities for interns to learn and grow in an enjoyable, business casual work environment with staff members that value openness, accountability, professionalism, and fun!

Basic Internship Requirements:

• Must demonstrate fundamental professionalism and a sincere interest in non-profit administration.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity toward issues stemming from childhood illnesses and a strong commitment to brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families.
• Must possess strong time management skills and the ability to multi-task, which are necessary to excel in Starlight's goal-oriented work environment.
• Must demonstrate that the internship position for which you are applying relates to your academic field or past work experiences.
• Must demonstrate intermediate or advanced knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficient in general Internet usage, including online research and e-mail skills.
• If selected, all candidates must submit to a national criminal history search.

Internship Positions

Children’s Services Intern

Through a variety of quality of life programs and services, Starlight Starbright provides a vital outlet for children and teens who are suffering from the pain, fear, and isolation that is often associated with prolonged illness and hospitalization. Together with the director and coordinator of Children’s Services, the intern will work to coordinate and implement Starlight’s unique programs and services, including our Great Escapes, Fun Centers, and annual toy distributions. While the intern may directly interact with SLSB kids and families at monthly Great Escapes events, the intern will spend the majority of his/her time working in the office alongside staff as we plan and implement these programs.

Communications Intern

Starlight Starbright’s communications intern will enjoy the unique opportunity to work with multiple departments on a variety of marketing and communication projects. The intern will report to the Manager of Volunteer Resources and may also work closely with our executive director and other department supervisors. The intern will work to create/maintain consistent and effective messaging through print materials, multi-media tools, and Starlight’s website. A successful communications candidate must demonstrate creativity, strong written and verbal communication skills, project management skills, initiative, follow-through, and the ability to work independently. Experience with web design and programming is an added bonus.

Special Events Intern

Starlight Starbright hosts three major fundraisers and additional outside sponsored events each year, annually raising over $500,000 to support the development and implementation of our programs and services. The intern will work closely with the Manager of Special Events and Special Events Associate and will play a key role in the development of new events and fundraising initiatives as well as the advancement of existing fundraisers, such as our annual Dream Date Auction and Black-tie Gala. The intern will certainly learn that special event fundraising isn’t just about hosting a good party; it’s about raising awareness and money to support the important work of our foundation. Candidates majoring in Business Administration, Communications, English, Marketing or have comparable work experience are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Please submit a resume and cover letter, noting the position for which you are applying, via e-mail, fax or mail to:

Human Resources
Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation
30 E. Adams, Suite 1020
Chicago , IL 60603

E-mail: hr@starlightmidwest.org

Fax: (312) 251-7825

Please call (312) 251-7827 for additional information.