We often write about athletes doing good; giving back to their communities or fighting for a cause. This story is a little different. Our focus is not on a specific athlete but the sponsor of the
Volunteers of America® Texas Shootout—the next stop on the LPGA Tour—for good reason. What they do will blow you away.

The first thing you need to know is that the Volunteers of America (VoA) does nothing like the name implies. It’s not an association of volunteers. Not even close.

VoA CEO Mike King. Photo courtesy of Volunteers of America®

“Volunteers of America is one of the 10 largest faith-based, non-profit organizations for human services in the nation, helping more than two million people every year,” explained Mike King, VoA’s CEO. “When we were founded in 1826, the term ‘volunteer’ was a quasi-military term. The idea was to create an army of people who were going out to do good, with the focus on hard-core human services.”

Today, VoA is the largest provider of affordable housing for seniors, low-income families and adults with disabilities. It’s the leading provider of services for veterans. It runs drug and alcohol treatment programs, as well as community re-entry programs for prisoners.

Halfway houses? The VoA was the organization that founded the concept—and still runs a lot of these facilities today.

Without most of us even knowing who they are, VoA’s army of 16,000 paid employees are out there, supporting the most vulnerable individuals in America: the homeless, military veterans trying to re-enter civilian life, prisoners in transition, people with disabilities or addictions.

“Our employees are on the front lines, every day,” King said. “They’re out there making a difference.”

Maud Booth, Glass Ceilings and Title XI

But, perhaps the coolest thing about the VoA, and the reason why this stealth-but-impactful organization is the perfect sponsor for the LPGA, is because of one of its founders. Social reformer Maud Booth and her husband, Ballington, started VoA more than 120 years ago, with the goal of “reaching and uplifting” American people.

Maud Booth was also a woman who shattered glass ceilings at a time when women didn’t even have the right to vote.

“She was one of the first females in America to do prison ministry—and did it in Sing-Sing in New York State,” King said. “And, when the VoA bylaws were created, Maud Booth made sure they stated that women would hold positions in the organization that were equal in stature to men. Now, remember, that was back in the 1890s. But, somehow, she made it happen.”

Cheyenne Woods at the 18th hole. Photo courtesy of Volunteers of America®

So, it comes as no surprise that an organization co-founded by this pre-Spice Girls purveyor of girl power would find its marketing match with the LPGA.  After all, the VoA Texas Shootout LPGA Tour consistently attracts the best female golfers in the world, competing in what was originally “a gentlemen’s game.” Maud Booth would be proud.

But, this tournament is about more than posting the winning score.

While King appreciates the skill of these golfers, he is more impressed by the LPGA players’ heart. They’re all in—whether they’re on the course or supporting the cause.

“We’ve sponsored the tournament for the past three years, but have been involved with it since it began,” King said. “The great thing about the LPGA is that you really get to know the players. These athletes don’t put themselves on pedestals; they come to events; they care about what we do. “

A number of players have even become directly involved in the organization.

“Katherine Kirk embraced our organization and made an appearance at one of our fundraisers in Wichita, Kansas,” King said. “Sandra Gal approached us and actually made our Florida affiliate the benefactor of the Sandra Gal Charity Challenge Pro-Am. Last year’s proceeds helped build a playground at our Kaylee Bay Veteran’s Village.”

Jenny Shin poses with LPGA legend Kathy Whitworth and VoA CEO Mike King. Photo courtesy of Volunteers of America®

Legendary golfer Judy Rankin and her foundation, the JTR Suitcase Fund, flies in five young women, some of whom have never been to an LPGA tournament before, for the opportunity to play with tour players in the VoA Texas Shootout Pro-Am.

“We’re the only place where something like that is happening,” King said.

Of course, “firsts” are nothing new to the VoA. It’s an organization that’s been breaking barriers since day one.  Just like one of its founders.

The Volunteers of America Texas Shootout LPGA Tour will be held April 26-30, 2017 at Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, Texas. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, visit LPGATX.com.  

For more information on the Volunteers of America, visit www.voa.org