Las Vegas, Nevada (April 16, 2014)–The PGA TOUR's Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is a community tradition and you can become more closely involved with the event by signing up to become a volunteer. Registration is now open for the 2014 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open at TPC Summerlin, Oct. 13-19, 2014, where golf fans can go inside the ropes of a PGA TOUR FedExCup event. Click now to sign up online or email Donna Millwood at dmillwood@shrinershospitalsopen.com with questions. –By Brian Hurlburt.
"There are so many different reasons that people volunteer for our event, and it's almost different for each one of the thousand who help us," says Adam Sperling, Tournament Director. "Some do it because they want to give back to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Others volunteer because they want to spend the week with family or friends who also have a passion for volunteering. Then there are those who love golf and the PGA TOUR, and want an up close and personal experience with the tournament and the players. But I think at the heart of it is that our volunteers all have a vested interest in our event and making it the best it can be, and they take their roles very seriously. Quite simply without our volunteers, we couldn't have a tournament. I can't overstate enough how important each and every one of our volunteers is, and I thank them for their generosity. It’s nice to know that has become an annual tradition for many of our volunteers and they will continue to build memories with us for years to come."
Extending an early bird discount this year, interested participants can take advantage of a $60 registration fee until Monday, June 30, when fees will increase by $5. With the fee, volunteers also receive an invitation to the Volunteer Appreciation Party, a week-long tournament access badge, a commemorative gift, meals during their shifts and a uniform including a tournament golf shirt, jacket and hat. Volunteers can also select an upgraded volunteer package that includes a straw hat in place of a ball cap for an additional $10.
Sherry Corsello has been volunteering during the tournament for two decades and wouldn't miss it for anything. She also spends time during the year on several committees and has built relationships and friendships with other volunteers.
"I think it's very important to volunteer because the Shriners Hospitals for Children help a lot of kids in our community and it is a fabulous cuase to support," says Corsello, who was inducted into the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open Volunteer Hall of Fame in 2013. "The best thing about it is you will be helping the community but also having a lot of fun and meeting new people. It's an experience of a lifetime."
Encouraging organizations and companies to volunteer together, the tournament will offer the Team Volunteer Program again this year and allows colleagues and friends to volunteer side-by-side as marshals. Assigned to a specific hole on the course, each team will be required to have a minimum of 10 volunteers per day for Thursday through Sunday of tournament week. With volunteers travelling from 29 states, Canada and Mexico for last year’s tournament, the Team Volunteer Program is a perfect opportunity to get the group of golfing buddies, work colleagues or old friends together for a trip to the exciting city of Las Vegas and give back to a great cause.
Volunteer opportunities include admissions, standard bearers, caddie services, walking scorers and more. Whether you’re a golf fan or looking to support the mission of the Shriners Hospitals for Children, the options are endless to give back and volunteer for a cause that impacts the lives of children across the nation every day.
There is no better time to volunteer for the tournament because it is now a part of the FedEx Cup Playoffs and Las Vegas residents have won the event two of the last three years. Also last year's champ, Webb Simpson, is a major champion. And the hospitality and events that surround the tournament make the week the place to be.