WHY VOLUNTEERS ARE THE BACKBONE TO OUR EVENTS

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Volunteers shape the way that the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance is able to host large-scale events for the community. Without our volunteers, our events wouldn’t be able to operate successfully, as their continued generosity and support make all the difference.

As stated in a recent whitepaper released by SportsETA, “A sports commission can transform sports into a major force for economic development and revitalization when supported by passionate volunteers and skilled professionals.” When working in tandem with volunteers from the community, our events can perform to the best of their ability.

Why are volunteers important? 

As a nonprofit organization, volunteers are the backbone to the operation of our events. Nonprofits require funding for many avenues. It is important to reinvest as much funding as possible back into events and our partner organizations that help to achieve our mission and increase tourism, and general visibility, in the Happy Valley area.  

With only a 2-3 person full-time team, volunteers provide essential labor that help the HVSEA to host and run large scale events, without the increase of payroll expenses. From event setup and teardown, participant and spectator assistance or course and venue support, volunteers play a direct role in how our events run. On top of that, volunteers can bring in their own unique skill sets that can be incredibly valuable at varying events. Without volunteers filling these roles, it would not be possible for us to deliver these events. 

While volunteering is a selfless donation of your time and services that goes unpaid, the HVSEA gives back to volunteers in other ways to show appreciation and make our generous volunteers feel like valued event team members, not just methods of unpaid labor. This can include free meals during events, free entrance to events, and free event gear, all as a way of saying thank you. 

Further, when a nonprofit has a large volunteer presence, the general reputation of the nonprofit is enhanced. When members of the community see volunteers consistently returning to help with HVSEA events, it builds a sense of trust. As a result, more members of the community are likely to support the HVSEA.  

How do you grow a volunteer database? 

Growing a volunteer database is critical to the success of the HVSEA, and all sports commissions, year-in and year-out.  

One way to maintain optimal volunteer engagement is by working actively and effectively alongside them. When managing events, it’s crucial to check in periodically before and during events, as well as being available and active on-site during the event. When volunteers have a positive experience, they are more likely to continue donating their time and services, year-after-year for multiple events. They are also more likely to bring friends or tell others about their experience, building more visibility. This kind of retention helps to take away the stress of recruiting and builds a steady, reliable and experienced volunteer base. With this base, our events strengthen over time. 

It’s also important to give back to volunteers, as mentioned previously. Through the HVSEA, an event called the IRONMAN Volunteer Appreciation Night is hosted every year, which celebrates over 1,000 volunteers who give their time to support our IRONMAN event. During this event, we provide catered meals, have IRONMAN event gear giveaways, and reflect on the success of the year. We also present various awards to volunteers who are nominated by other volunteers. This all works to reinforce that sense of community, appreciation, and value. 

With the continued help and support of volunteers in the Happy Valley region, we are able to put on successful events that help the community to prosper. Without our volunteers, the delivery of our events would be virtually impossible, as they provide us with critical support and experience.