Hometown favorite Parker McLachlin, signs autographs at last year’s Sony Open.Sony Open Raises Money for Charity and Offers Volunteer Opportunities

The Sony Open will be held the week of January 11th – 17th. This year marks the 45th consecutive year of the TOUR golf competition in Hawaii at Waialae. Watching the pros compete is inspirational; their athleticism clearly presents itself, through the competitors’ focus, physical strength and stamina. If you have ever dreamed of being a part of this event, a good way to get involved is through volunteering.

The 18-hole course along the ocean is both beautiful and challenging. The weather can have an impact - gusting trade winds can pose a major challenge - not to mention the stress from the huge crowds and the dream of going home with the grand prize $990,000. It is an amazing opportunity to watch the pros in action. 144 golfers compete in the Sony Open. Some of the internationally renowned PGA Tour members include: Vijay Singh, Jerry Kelly, David Toms, Retief Goosen, Stewart Cink and many more of golf’s leaders. The large number of golfers needs a huge support crew. 1,4000 “tournament volunteer corps” come from different sectors - sponsors, community groups, Friends of Hawaii Charities, military as well as out of state visitors.

Volunteers are still needed in the following areas:  Pro Transportation, Gallery Control, Shotlink, Standard Bearers, Volunteer Pool and Admissions. Anyone can volunteer, according to Jimmy Kometani, Volunteer Co-Vice Chair, “ . . . we have over 45 different committees, so a person does not even need to know a thing about golf to volunteer.” Dean Scheid, another Volunteer Co-Vice Chair added, “Volunteers also get a behind the scenes glimpse of putting on this world-class event.” Basically, it is an incredible opportunity to get a glimpse into the world of pro-sports and big scale event planning.

This Sony Open provides a venue for both the community and the corporate world to benefit. One of the press points is especially poignant:  “Charity is the biggest winner of the Sony Open in Hawaii.” The event’s charity partner, the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc., provides matching funds for each dollar raised at the event, helping raise the $1 million goal for Hawaii Charities. According to Corbett Kalama, the newly elected President of Friends of Hawaii Charities, “It is only through their collaboration and spirit of giving that Friends is able to meet its $1 million charity goal for the fifth consecutive year.” The funds raised go to helping women, children, youth and the needy.

Not only is volunteering a great way to give back to the community and get involved in something you feel passionate about, but if you help for four days, you get lunch daily and complimentary tournament uniform and headwear. To find out more about how to volunteer through the Sponsor of Record, Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc., go to: www.friendsofhawaii.org or e-mail friend@friendsofhawaii.org or call the Hawaii Headquarters for the Sony Open at (808) 523-7888.