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By: Ashley Holt
Pasadena ISD Staff
The annual
McDonald’s Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament is one
of the premier high school basketball tournaments in the
nation featuring the most talented teams—and the event
wouldn’t see the success it has if it weren’t for the
dedication and efforts of its volunteers.
“The volunteers are the heartbeat of this tournament,” said
tournament chairman Ben Meador. “It is so exciting to see
people year after year who are so willing to do whatever it
takes to make this event a success. We have some of the
finest people in the world living in our community. They
care and are so generous in committing their time and talent
to make this event one of the best in the country.”
The tournament hosts
48-boys’ teams and 32-girls’ teams from across the state and
is sponsored in large part by McDonald’s, the City of
Pasadena and the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. The
tournament serves as the primary fundraiser for the Pasadena
ISD Education Foundation, which provides $100,000 in grants
every year to help fund innovative educational programs
district wide that can not be afforded through regular
operating budgets. Last year, the tournament made a record
$100,000 donation to the foundation.
 Every
year, the tournament draws in more than 300 volunteers, and
tournament volunteer committee members are starting their
search for volunteers for this year’s event, which will be
held Nov. 20-22.
“Volunteers play a
critical role in this tournament,” said the tournament’s
volunteer chairwoman Darla Haygood. “By supporting this
tournament, these volunteers have made a significant
difference in the lives of our children.”
Some volunteer
opportunities available for those interested in
participating in the tournament are selling T-shirts and
tickets to students and adults at each of the tournament’s
eight venues. Volunteers are also needed to host the
hospitality rooms at each venue offering refreshments and
food for the coaches and tournament officials. Most
volunteers work an average of two to four hours when they
are available.
“Without the support of our volunteers,
we would not be able to host this tournament,” said Haygood.
“We encourage community members and Pasadena ISD employees
to get involved because we are giving back to our community
by enriching the lives of our children. They are our future,
and as community members, we need to pave the way for our
future.”
Hosting a tournament team is another
way for individuals to get involved in the tournament. Team
hosts serve as liaisons for their teams for the length of
the tournament and are responsible for meeting their team,
handing out “goodie bags” (provided) to each participant,
giving directions to gym locations and suggesting
restaurants.
“Team hosts serve as ambassadors for
not only the district, but the city,” said team host chairs
Debi and Jerry Krampen. “It is a great way for them to meet
some of the finest athletes and coaches in the state, and
they also get to watch some awesome basketball. Team hosts
are a unique part of this tournament because it’s their job
to make the teams feel welcome and serve as ‘fans’ for the
participating teams.”
Volunteers are
directed by team captains who oversee them at each venue to
ensure adequate coverage and volunteer schedules are
flexible. Two volunteer training sessions are also provided
at Pasadena Memorial High School two weeks prior to the
tournament so that each volunteer is informed of their
duties.
With more than 30,000 in attendance
over the three-day tournament, Meador said this event
provides a great opportunity for community members to help
showcase the premier City of Pasadena and its citizens.
“We want all of the coaches, teams and
fans attending the games to see that the tournament is well
organized and all details are handled so that everything
runs smoothly,” said Meador. “Our volunteers handle their
duties in such a manner that all visitors who come to the
tournament leave with a very positive impression of our
city, our schools and our citizens. That is something that
advertising dollars can’t buy.”
For information on volunteering, please
contact Haygood at 713-594-2305. To become a team host, call
Debi or Jerry Krampen at 713-740-0046 or 713-740-0827. For
more information on the tournament or to fill out volunteer
and host forms online, please visit
www.texasinvitational.com.
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