The hottest golf tournaments are the biggest tickets in town and IPRA has the distinct honor of being associated with one of the best and the oldest: the Western Open, held annual at Cog Hill Golf Course in Lemont.

Every year, IPRA extends an invitation to people interested in doing some very rewarding volunteer work, and 2003 is no exception. Check out the top ten reasons you and your friends should join the IPRA - Western Open team.

10. You'll be able to brag to all your friends about "hanging out" with golfing greats.

9. You'll meet new people and have a chance to bond with other golf fanatics. Even if you're not a fan of the sport, you can enjoy the atmosphere and excitement while helping a good cause.

8. IPRA will give you a nifty outfit (shirt and cap) to wear at the tournament, which you can wear as a badge of honor for years to come.

7. Major networks broadcast the tournament, so your mom could see you on TV.

Save the Dates Mark June 30 to July 6 on your calender and voluteer now for this centennial celebration, the 100th Western Open Golf Tournament. Call Tom Ford at IPRA/ 630.752.0141 or e-mail tom@il-ipra.org You'll have the time of your life!

6. You'll receive plenty of good food while working your shift, and after the tournament is over, enjoy the great barbeque thrown for all volunteers on Sunday, July 6.

5. Get a chance to see what your volunteer efforts provide in the way of scholarship dollars for thousands of talented, young caddies.

4. Receive an invite to a post-tournament golf day thrown just for volunteers. We hold this thank-you event at several locations so you can pick the most convenient one.

3. Acquire a volunteer pass that gives you access to the entire tournament, so when you're not volunteering, you can join the crowd and enjoy the action.

2. Get your share of bonding time with your IPRA colleagues. This is an ideal opportunity to get to know new and old association members and learn about their agencies.

1. In recognition of IPRAs volunteer efforts, the tournament host —the Western Golf Association—provides important financial support to IPRA. This support is an essential component in our annual budget, and just one way that IPRA strives to keep membership fees affordable.

The training is on us. We'll even provide the cookies and schedule your shifts around your schedule. In other words, we'll do all we can to make sure this annual event provides the kind of memories you'll keep forever.

Gail Cohen
is the marketing and communications manager for the Illinois Park and Recreation Association.

34    Illinois Parks and Recreation