Questions and Answers
What is The TAPAA Foundation?
The TAPAA Foundation is a non-profit, 501c3 organization that raises funds to help support Athletes, Performing Artists, Athletic Programs, Theater Companies, Dance Studios and other similar organizations, so that families have an opportunity to include their children in activities that they may not normally be able to afford.
As an organization, we have parents, family members, and friends of up and coming athletes and performing artists, volunteer at professional sporting events and concerts. In exchange these venues make donations to support our mission. We in turn use these donations to award grants, scholarships and donations to support the athletes, performing artists, and/or the programs that they represent.
What Does TAPAA stand for?
TAPAA is an acronym for Tomorrow's Athletes and Performing Artists of America.
What kind of events do you volunteer at?
Members of The TAPAA Foundation volunteer at a wide range of sporting events, concerts, comedy shows and just about any other professional event that needs volunteers. For example, we volunteer at STL Blues Hockey games, STL Cardinals games, Concerts at Hollywood Ampitheater and the Enterprise Center, events at Chaifetz Arena and more.
Are there any requirements to volunteering?
Yes. Professional events do require their volunteers to take this very seriously. Each venue has their own requirements, but most include tests for alcohol training, background checks, and some do require Hep A Vaccinations if you will be handling food.
Once I have met the requirements, what is involved in volunteering at a typical event?
At most venues, volunteering will involve running concessions. That could be food, alcohol, or both depending on the event and the booth you will be volunteering in.
An average night for a volunteer starts approximately 2-3 hours before the event starts (usually about 1 hour before doors open to the public). Volunteers are typically cashiers, servers, cooks or all of the above. From start to finish, most events take approximately 6 hours from the time you arrive until you close up and leave.
Do I get paid for being there?
No. Volunteers do not get paid, however, The TAPAA Foundation does receive donations from the venues, and that money is put towards the grants, scholarships and donations that go to the athletes, performing artists and/or the organizations they are involved with.
Do I get a personal account with the money I raised?
No. The IRS does not allow a non profit, 501c3 charitable organization to create individual accounts.
Can I submit an application for a donation or scholarship for my family member, specific athletic organization or performing arts organization?
Yes. Providing the donation will be used for a purpose that furthers our mission of supporting athletes and/or performing artists or the organizations that provide these opportunities. All financial assistance through donations and scholarships will be made directly to the qualifying organization from the TAPAA Foundation