Frequently Asked Questions

Updated December 24, 2022

What is The Big Event/What is its purpose?

The Big Event at Virginia Tech is a student-run community service effort that has grown into the 2nd largest event of its kind in the nation over the past 18 years. Every spring, thousands of students, faculty, and staff come together to complete hundreds of community service projects throughout Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the New River Valley.

Projects are completed regardless of need or socioeconomic status; instead, it is The Big Event’s goal to simply say, “Thank you.” Seeded in our university’s motto of Ut Prosim (That I may serve) students and community members come together for a truly unparalleled experience.

The Big Event: “One Big Day. One Big Thanks.”

What is a project check?

A member of our team will be responsible for finding a mutual time to meet at the project’s site
It lets us confirm that the project is feasible and safe to do within four hours
Makes sure that we have an accurate number of volunteers assigned to the project
And it allows us to answer any questions that you may have, in person.

If I request a project, is there a guarantee that it will be completed?

While we aim to complete 100% of the projects that are requested, we cannot guarantee that your project will be completed due to the overwhelming amount of requests we receive each year. We make it our goal to complete as many projects as possible, and we are aiming for 1,200 projects this year. However, with a limited amount of student volunteers, it is possible there will not be enough volunteers for each project.

When will my project be checked?

You will be contacted by a member of The Big Event team via phone or email to set up a convenient time to meet with you at your project site either during the week or over the weekend. Project checks will begin in late January and run through March.

What time should I expect the students to show up on April 9?

Between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. It depends on how far away your job is from campus, and if the volunteers need to go to tool distribution. Typically, the opening ceremony is over around 10:50 AM and tool distribution can take up to 30 minutes.

Do I need to be home while the volunteers are working?

Yes, the resident must be home when the volunteers arrive and for the full time that the project is being completed. If you are not home, we cannot complete the project.

Should I provide the volunteers with food or drink when they are at my residence?

You are more than welcome to provide the volunteers with refreshments or snacks, but you are not required to.

How long will the volunteers be at my residence?

The volunteers can be there for up to 4 hours.

What kind of tools can they use?

We will bring whatever tools you request during your project check and we can use your tools. However; under no circumstances can we use power tools. This includes but is not limited to: lawn mowers, weed whackers, drills, leaf blowers, and so forth.

What tools can you provide?

Indoor Projects
- Broom/Dustpan
Rakes
- Hard Rake, Leaf Rake
Hand Tools
- Hand Cultivator, Hand Saw, Hand Spade
Other Tools
- Hammer, Hedge Shears, Hoe, Pitch Fork, Pruner, Shovel, Tree Trimmer
Gloves
- Pairs of Gloves

Unfortunately, we cannot provide any tools that are not listed here. All tools must be requested during project checks and have limited availability. We do not provide wheelbarrows, ladders, paint, paint packs, or window/cleaning packs.

When is the last time that I can cancel my project?

If you need to cancel your project for any reason, we ask that you contact us by March 30 at 5 PM.

What day does project request close?

Project Request closes on March 18, 2022. To request a project, follow the link on our homepage or head over to the “Residents” tab and follow the link on that page.

Can the volunteers paint?

Yes, they can paint, but we do not provide rollers and brushes. Also, the homeowner must provide the paint.

Is there a rain date for the event?

Unfortunately, if there is bad weather at the discretion of The Big Event Executive Committee, the event will be cancelled and not be made up.

How do I confirm that my project will be completed on April 9?

You will receive a confirmation email with a Job # in the form of 2022-#### that confirms you are registered. Project checkers should have come to your property or given you a call to confirm all of the details. If you still aren’t sure, please contact communications@vtbigevent.org.