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High Fives For the Volunteers
The Force Behind the Tournaments Success

Like the movements for a well-crafted timepiece, the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational golf tournament is more than its surface display. Underneath the event and its gala sidebar, a dynamic called volunteerism generates the skills and organization needed to produce such a delightful approach to good will.

The actual number of volunteers comes to about 450. A description of the many jobs they perform is almost unbelievably diverse. Together they man the ticket booths, sell merchandise, handle parking, marshal the tournament, organize the gala and the fashion show, transport celebrities and shuttle participants between golf courses.

Wanda Norton, office manger for Palm Springs Charities, administrative headquarters for the tournament, is the quintessential volunteer. Working part-time year-round until December, she swings into full gear through March. Last February alone, she logged more than 250 hours. “I love it”, she says. “It’s a lot of work but a lot of fun, also.”

The participants are especially endearing to Norton, who is touched by their generosity.

“One couple from Canada stands out in my mind,” she says. “The first year of the tournament, the man and his wife came down, but he played without her. The second year, he surprised his wife by registering her also. This year she will play. That’s a lot to give, especially when you considerer that because they are from Canada, their costs are not tax deductible.”

The celebrity charisma of the tournament enhances the glamour but doesn’t detract from the warmth of the vent. The stars give of themselves freely for photos and autographs. Some have offered themselves to do even more.

“They are wonderful people to work with,” says Norton, “and of course I couldn’t give so much of myself if it weren’t for my husband Mark. He brings the staff dinner if we’re working late and boosts our morale. He’s a very patient man.”

The task of overseeing the transportation needs of the celebrities falls on Ed Tefteller, transportation chairman. “I see my work as a support to the community, both to Desert Hospital and to the Barbara Sinatra Children’s center at Eisenhower Medical Center,” he says.

The transportation volunteer team runs with about 40 people, mostly members of the Palm Springs Kiwanis Club where Tefteller is a past president. Over a three-day period each volunteer works a minimum if at least 25 hours. “It’s a lot of fun for all,” Tefteller says. “Can you imagine driving a van whose occupants include Clint Eastwood and Robert Wagner?”

Ray Lockwood, chairman of the marshals, ahs been with the tournament since its beginning in 1989. He oversees 265 volunteers. Since the scope of the event covers two different golf courses, he divides his army of mostly retired desert residents or visitors with second-in-command, Tom Grier.

Like other popular golf tournaments in the desert, the Sinatra Invitational has its steady volunteer followers.

“There is a waiting list for those who want to help, but it’s like getting a season ticket at the University of Nebraska,” Lockwood says. “Someone has to die. The same people year after year, only means that next year will be better.”

The volunteers’ eager participation collectively personifies the adage: “What I spent I lost; what I possessed is left to others; what I gave away remains with me.”