BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Golf Association is pleased to re-recognize Anne Williamson as the recipient of the 2021 Volunteer of the Year Award—an annual award given to an individual who volunteers and goes above and beyond in assisting the IGA with its various functions. Here is her story:
As the championship season began to wrap up, the IGA Staff met together to determine who would be awarded the 2021 VOY. After reviewing the efforts of its amazing volunteers, it was clear that one person in particular, Williamson, was the clear favorite to win the award. Each staff member agreed in unison that she had given more than was needed. Williamson had volunteered at nearly every, if not all, IGA Championships—fulfilling various roles.
One occasion, in specific, clearly demonstrated why she was the IGA’s choice for the award. Needing volunteers for the Girls Junior Americas Cup at Banbury Golf Course, the tournament committee recommended that Williamson lead the charge. Willing to do so, Williamson recruited, organized, and managed over 48 volunteers for the event—a feat accomplished only by someone who loves the game, and is genuine, caring and selfless.
2021 Volunteer of the Year recipient, Anne Williamson, with Nicole Bird, Manager of Rules and Competitions, at the IGA’s volunteer outing at Falcon Cress GC in Sept. 2021.
“She completely took that off of our plate,” said Nicole Bird, Manager of Rules and Competitions for the IGA. “[Williamson] had the schedule. She trained [the volunteers by having] two training seminars that she organized … She checked them in every morning [and] made sure they had all their paperwork [and] their badges. [She] sent them out with the right groups. It was very intensive.”
Williamson never limited herself to one individual responsibility at events and was always more than willing to help out in any way needed—succeeding at whatever she was assigned to with a smile on her face. Bird mentioned Williamson would often tell her to put her “where you need me.” Williamson constantly demonstrated sincere kindness and love for each player. She would always cheer for them to do great, whether she knew them or not.
To recognize Williamson, and to say thank you to all the other volunteers for their outstanding efforts, the IGA hosted a volunteer outing at Falcon Crest Golf Course. Volunteers were treated to lunch, some IGA swag and a free round of golf. After the round, she was awarded the VOY Award in front of her peers and was given a special plaque for her efforts.
We will be forever grateful for Williamson and the other individuals who volunteer for all they have done, are doing, and will continue to do for the IGA!
Congratulations again to Anne Williamson for being the 2021 Volunteer of the Year!
*The IGA relies on volunteer help for each event it hosts. Individuals are assigned at least one role during an event. Those roles consist of: live scoring, player-shuttle services, starting and rules officiating. With the appropriate training given for each role, individuals come from all over the state to assist at tournaments or IGA-member services like course rating.
For those interested in volunteering, please send an email to nicole@idahoga.org. There will be a training for volunteers in March for those who’d like to be involved. More details will be announced as time gets closer to the designated date.*