Commentary: Why I volunteer at the Bridgestone Senior Players golf tournament every year

I have been asked many times why I spend so much time volunteering for the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship golf tournament every year.

My initial answer is simple — it gives me the opportunity to help thousands of less fortunate individuals in Northeast Ohio every year. Many people in the area do not realize Northern Ohio Golf Charities and Foundation is the main beneficiary of the proceeds raised each year through ticket sales, corporate hospitality, pro-am outings and the Ambassador of Golf Award ceremony during tournament week.

Professional golf is the only major professional sport that returns charity funds directly to the communities in which they hold events. Golf tournaments in Akron have raised more than $30 million dollars over the years, money that has been distributed to charities throughout Northeast Ohio.

Senior Players Championship news: Kaulig Companies to sponsor Senior Players Championship at Firestone Country Club

Several more reasons why I have continued to volunteer for over 30 years include — relaxing and fun, spending time with the other 700-plus volunteers and being a part of a world-class event.

We like to say the Northern Ohio Golf Charities and Foundation is like a big, weeklong family reunion held each year and there happens to be a world-class golf tournament going on at the same time.

I have met so many wonderful people over the years, many of whom I would not have crossed paths with any other way. Some of our volunteers travel back to Akron annually from more than 20 states and three countries, using vacation and personal time to attend the event.

We have watched our children grow up and start families of their own. Many second- and third-generation family members volunteer on an annual basis.

Most spectators do not realize the many hours of planning that begin immediately following a tournament to start preparing for the next year. It takes thousands of man-hours to plan, construct and maintain all the structures and signage that the golfers and patrons rely on to make their visit enjoyable and stress-free.

That sounds like a lot of work and it is, but the people who choose to take on these additional leadership roles have a true passion to see the tournament succeed and showcase Northeast Ohio for one special week each year.

Many other volunteers work weeks in advance of the event to set up the course and prepare for the golfers' arrival.

Why not just hire a company to perform these tasks prior to and during the event and not rely on all these volunteers? If the PGA Tour had to pay for all this labor, there would be little if any funds left for charity.

The volunteers play a vital role in raising funds for charity — think of it in terms of raising in excess $1,200 per volunteer annually. How many other events can raise this amount for charity in the same amount of time and effort?

An important event that has taken on a greater role in raising charity dollars is the Ambassador of Golf event held during tournament week. Each year, an ambassador is honored at an awards ceremony, dinner and live auction to raise funds for charity.

The response from the corporate community has been fantastic and has helped to raise a major portion of the funds which are given back each year. The recipient is chosen for their contributions to the game of golf on and off the course.

Last year, President George W. Bush was honored and this year’s recipient is former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Some former recipients include golfers such as Fred Couples, Nancy Lopez, Judy Rankin, Charlie Sifford, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Lee Trevino, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Other notables include President Gerald Ford, Dinah Shore, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Jim Nantz and Commissioner Deane Beman.

The induction ceremony is always worth admission to hear the stories and memories of Firestone Country Club and tournaments past.

Volunteer members of the foundation board also meet to determine how the proceeds can best be distributed to help the most needed causes in Northeast Ohio. There are so many incredible charities doing amazing work helping children, veterans and the homeless to name a few.

So the next time you visit the tournament and are watching some great golf, think about what a fantastic event we have in our own backyard, a great economic engine to fund so many well-deserving charities in Northeast Ohio.

If you would like to join me and volunteer for this year’s Bridgestone Senior Players Championship, visit nogcf.org to register and be a part of the annual family reunion.

Mike Adolph, who lives in Canal Fulton and is controller with K.W. Zellers & Son, serves as vice president of the Northern Ohio Golf Charities and Foundation. The Bridgestone Senior Players Championship is July 6-10 at Firestone Country Club in Akron.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Mike Adolph shares why he volunteers at Senior Players Championship