Award Overview
The Donald V. Harrison Volunteer of the Year Award is named in honor of one of this tournament's greatest volunteers. Donald Harrison, a native from Grand Rapids, Michigan, fell in love with the game of golf as a young boy. After graduating from Western Michigan University and then working in Southern California, Don moved to Florida in 1963 to join his brother in business.
While most of Don's time was spent helping to grow a business and raise three children; Debby, Jim and Wendy, Don also made time to volunteer for this tournament, then known as the JC Penney Classic, a PGA TOUR/LPGA mixed team golf tournament. In 1983, Don's path of volunteerism was further cast when he joined the Board of Directors. In 1991 and 1992, Don served as General Chairman. Thereafter, he continued volunteering his time for the planning and operations of following tournaments as a member of the Executive Committee and Board, as well as continuing to help recruit new volunteers. A cardiac arrest in 2006 now prevents Don from actively serving. He remains an honorary member of the Board of Directors, and Don's spirit of volunteerism remains strong in his heart and in the hearts of all who serve to better our community through this charitable golf tournament.
For these reasons, a volunteer of the year is recognized and the award is named in honor of Don Harrison for his commitment, dedication and sacrifice. All these are the traits of the recipient of this award, and of the over 1200 volunteers the tournament is blessed to have in service.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is with gratitude and thanks that this award is presented.
2009 Recipient
2009 Don Harrison Award Winner, Joe Waskelis
Joe Waskelis - Chairman Transportation - Joe puts in more hours during tournament week than anyone, staff included. His days begin about 4:30 AM as he organizes the days needs and does not conclude until the about 9:00 PM when the last car is gassed for the next day. Joe also has as much if not more responsibility than any chairman tournament week coordinating all vehicles and player transportation as any volunteer. Joe also single handedly secured Karl Flammer Ford's sponsorship of our evacuation vehicles. 2009 was Joe's 7th year as a volunteer.
Other Finalists
Tom Baron - Marshal Co-Chairman - 2009 was Tom's record 30th year as a volunteer for this event year. Tom is cool under tournament week pressure always helping to make sure every hole is properly staffed and running efficiently.
Dick & Carrie Horne - Hole Captain #4 - Dick & Carrie have the unanimous support of all of their Marshals. They also volunteer multiple days before and after the tournament with set-up and tear town.
Earl Land - Earl was co-chairman of our new merchandise operation. 2009 was the first year the tournament had responsibility for all on course merchandise. Earl took this project on from scratch and saw it through to an overwhelming success.
Ron McMurtry - Co-Chairman with Earl, Ron was quickly recruited by Earl and was the energetic backbone of our merchandise program. Ron specifically oversaw the purchasing of the majority of our merchandise.
Rosemary Koger - Rosemary volunteers on the Shotlink Laser committee. She volunteered all day everyday and has never missed a shift in seven years. She was singled out by the Laser Chairmen for her positive will get it done attitude.
Bob McCall - Walking Scorer - Two years in a row Bob has been the overwhelming leading ticket seller of all volunteers. He has taken on our Volunteer Ticket incentive and set the bar for other volunteers to follow.
Doug Palonder - Doug is the Hole Captain on # 16 which is staffed by Rotary. Doug recruits more volunteers than any one. Tournament week, Doug oversees the most dramatic of our finishing holes.
Carol Waters - Simply put Carol serves more volunteer hours than anyone. In her 7th year Carol takes on increased responsibility in the office on almost a daily basis. For 2009, Carol volunteered over 75 days.
If you know of other Volunteers that deserve consideration as the 2009 Don Harrison Award simply e-mail volunteer@thecopperheads.org with a brief description of the volunteer and why he or she deserves consideration. The 2009 winner will be announced on the 18th green just after the final putt has been holed on March 22 for the Transitions Championship
Past Recipients
2008 Don Harrison Award Winner, Shirley Gresham
During the 2008 tournament Shirley volunteered over 100 days and 1000 hours. Most importantly, Shirley's duties are integral to the success of our tournament. She is singularly responsible for the Management of our 1200 plus member volunteer force. This includes recruitment of volunteers, administration of applications (including committee assignments), ordering and distribution of Volunteer uniforms, management of Volunteer Headquarters during tournament week and much much more. So ubiquitous is her presence and touch that many volunteers, Board of Directors, sponsors and patrons think that Shirley is an employee of the tournament.