Assistance offered to those who can’t afford to volunteer for Senior PGA

Next year’s Senior PGA Championship needs more than 1,500 volunteers to bring off the event at the Golf Club at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor. And to volunteer costs $125. That covers a uniform, a copy of the official program, meal and water vouchers, plus the cost of off-site parking and shuttle service to the event that takes place May 22 through May 27, 2012.

Because some people in Benton Harbor might be discouraged from volunteering given the fee, scholarships are being made available. The first 100 people who want to be part of the event by volunteering, but who can’t afford the fee and can demonstrate their financial need will be eligible for a scholarship.

The enrollment period for volunteers runs through July 18.

The fee is a PGA standard used at all of its events, says Senior PGA Championship Director Jeff Hintz.

Funding for the scholarships is made available through Whirlpool Corporation Community Relations.

Residents are eligible if they currently participate in or are sponsored by a Consortium for Community Development partner agency assistance program.  

Consortium for Community Development President and CEO Dr. Marcus Robinson encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity even if they are not golf enthusiasts.

“Volunteering for this type of an event is an excellent way to support the transformation that is under way in our community,” Robinson says, “as well as have fun as we are showcasing our area to thousands of guests and ultimately the world through the TV broadcast.”

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Jamie Nilson-Balkin, Cornerstone Alliance