Photos courtesy of the Memorial Volunteer Committee
Once a female-only group, the Nationwide Children's Volunteer Committee now welcomes men and women.
When people think of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, they may envision Jack Nicklaus, who designed the course and created the PGA Tour match in 1976, or the many famous golfers who won the rigorous competition, like Tiger Woods or Matt Kuchar. Behind the scenes, though, thousands of people are helping run this international event, many of which are local volunteers.
There are more than 3,000 volunteers for the tournament who are overseen by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Volunteer Committee. The 40-person committee and its volunteers help raise funds for Nationwide Children’s, specifically the Memorial Tournament Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The 2018 tournament generated a record-setting $2.02 million.
Grove City resident Michelle Francisco embodies the event – she began as a concession stand volunteer, was later invited to be on the committee, and, for the 2019 tournament, Francisco is the chair of the committee and will oversee all volunteers.
“I just have such excitement and energy and passion for golf, being a part of anything related to Jack Nicklaus and raising funds for the hospital,” she says. “You will not hear a tournament official, or Barbara or Jack (Nicklaus) speak without reinforcing the fact that the success of this tournament is not possible without volunteers. And if not for volunteers … the donation to (Nationwide) Children’s Hospital would not be as large.”
Francisco says she’s like the spokesperson for recruiting volunteers and is always encouraging people in and beyond Grove City to sign up.
“There is hardly anyone in this city who hasn’t been touched by the care of Nationwide Children’s Hospital,” she says. “Whether you are interested in golf or not, it’s a great way to contribute.”
Hearing from Grove City volunteers
A volunteer showcasing tournament themed teddy bears
Crystal Switalski
For Crystal Switalski, giving back has always been a part of her life. In high school, she was involved in an extra-curricular group focused on volunteer work, she's currently helping her daughter’s Girl Scout troop by teaching the importance of philanthropy, and, for the past two years, she’s volunteered at the Memorial Tournament. Switalski is getting ready for the 2019 golf match and gives some insight on why the work is beneficial.
Can you describe one aspect of the tournament you enjoy?
Switalski: The work isn’t hard, but we are all on our feet all day and, in most cases, in the heat. We leave absolutely exhausted, but it is a good exhausted. You know you did well when you leave tired.
And because (the tournament) loves their volunteers, they give us plenty of opportunities to be a patron outside of our volunteer hours.
Why would you encourage Grove City residents to volunteer?
Switalski: Why not? Volunteering is an experience and you are giving back to your community. Time is the easiest donation you can give, and if that is all they need and you have time to give, you should do it.
Volunteer adding to the scoreboard
Bud Braughton
Bud Braughton’s interest in golf started at the young age of 10; his father bought him a set of clubs and he soon acknowledged Jack Nicklaus as his all-time favorite athlete. So, later in life, when Braughton’s coworker asked him if volunteering together at the Memorial Tournament sounded fun, he decided to give it a swing.
For the past 30 years, Braughton has worked the tournament with friends and family. He is gearing up for this year’s tournament and shares how the event impacts the community and his life.
What about the tournament do you enjoy?
Braughton: As a volunteer, I’ve found the people at the Memorial Tournament to be most enjoyable to work with. It’s also a great way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying the weather (when it’s not raining too much) and seeing the world’s best golfers in action.
Why do you believe the tournament is important for the community?
Braughton: Overall, I think it's for a great cause. I have a daughter whose life was saved by a surgeon at Children’s (Hospital) and she now works there as an RN.
Being a part of the tournament as a volunteer makes it more enjoyable in knowing that I’m not just a spectator, but actually a part of helping make things more fun by answering questions and providing information.
Tiffani Gollihue
For Tiffani Gollihue, golf is in her blood. Her father and brother both play, and they all bond over the sport. One year, while attending the Official Pro-Am game at the Memorial Tournament with her father – a family tradition – she realized that being a tournament volunteer was rather feasible.
Gollihue has volunteered on the 16th hole leaderboard since 2015 and only regrets not signing up sooner. Hear her stories on the match and how it’s changed her life.
What do you love most about being a volunteer?
Gollihue: One of the best parts about working a leaderboard is posting my favorite player's last name. For me, it’s a thrill any chance I get to put up (Rickie) Fowler, (Tiger) Woods or (Jason) Day, and sad when I have to take them down. My first year, I witnessed a hole-in-one by Jason Dufner, it was a sight and sound I’ll never forget.
Plus, the volunteer committee is outstanding, friendly, accommodating and hardworking, which makes it easy to volunteer year after year.
Why would you encourage Grove City residents to volunteer?
Gollihue: Volunteering at The Memorial is special, you are part of an event the players look forward to each year. You owe it to yourself to browse the (tournament's) volunteer options, step out of your comfort zone, meet new friends, and assist Jack and the committee with a great tournament year in and year out.
Volunteers at a concession stand
Lydia Freudenberg is the brand loyalty specialist. Feedback welcome at lfreudenberg@cityscenemediagroup.com.
