Dick’s Sporting Goods Open announces 2012 Volunteer of the Tournament

David Baker (right) receives the 2012 Dick's Sporting Goods Open Volunteer of the Tournament award from tournament director John Karedes at the volunteer appreciation party on Friday, August 10 at En-Joie Golf Course in Endicott, NY.

August 14, 2012

ENDICOTT, NY- The Dick’s Sporting Goods Open is proud to announce David Baker as the 2012 Volunteer of the Tournament. Baker, born in Washington, DC, is currently head of the marshals committee and has been a volunteer with the B.C. Open and Dick’s Sporting Goods Open since 1976. 

Baker has lived in Endicott, NY since relocating to the area with IBM in 1969.  He retired from the company after 30 years of service, and began operating his own cruise business online.  He also serves as a Trustee for the Village of Endicott.  He organized Sounds on the Susquehanna, the Carousel Festival, and is the President of Dollars for Scholars. Baker has been married to his wife, Sharon, for 40 years.  Together, they have two daughters and four granddaughters. 

Volunteers are always present, but often unnoticed, at all PGA TOUR co-sanctioned events, with an average of 1,000 people providing their time and efforts at each Champions Tour tournament. Their selfless efforts have helped the PGA TOUR and its tournaments donate more than $1.7 billion to charity over the years, including more than $118 million last year alone.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Open Tournament Director John Karedes, along with tournament staff, volunteer leaders and Champions Tour officials, determine the Volunteer of the Tournament by considering the qualities and attributes to select an individual who:

Baker with his wife Sharon

• Made a difference in tournament operations this year.
• Consistently stepped up to take on additional responsibilities.
• Went beyond assigned duties to create a positive outcome.
• Set an outstanding example for others.
• Despite hardship, handicap or inconvenience, was dependable and performed responsibilities with a cheerful attitude.
 
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open and we simply could not put on an event of this magnitude without them,” said Karedes. “Dave has been an integral part of this team for 36 years, most recently coordinating schedules for nearly 800 volunteers on the marshals committee, helping us maintain an organized presence at the tournament.  Not only is he dedicated to this Champions Tour event and his community, but his enthusiasm is contagious.  We are very lucky to have him and the nearly 1,400 volunteers that help make this possible each year.”

“I was shocked,” said Baker about being awarded 2012 Volunteer of the Tournament.  “It’s nice to be recognized by your peers,” Baker said. “I enjoy the people I work with and we know how to make things work. We’ve been doing it together for a long time.”

Baker receives a Champions Tour-logoed Waterford crystal gift and will now become a finalist for the Champions Tour’s Volunteer of the Year award at the conclusion of the 2012 season.