GWINNETT – METRO ATLANTA, August 18, 2016 –Two volunteers for the Mitsubishi Electric Classic, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, have been recognized for the impact they made on the success of the 2016 tournament held at TPC Sugarloaf in April. Fran Eckert has been named Leadership Volunteer of the Year for her role as Driving Range Chairman and Lisa Meznar has been named Volunteer of the Year for her contributions on the uniform distribution and volunteer shuttle committees. 

As Driving Range Chairman, Eckert was often one of the first volunteers to arrive in the morning and the last to leave each evening. Her committee was fully staffed and scheduled months prior to the tournament. When other committees needed assistance or were understaffed, Eckert was quick to offer one of her own volunteers to help, assuming the extra workload herself without complaint. She takes her role very seriously and runs a terrific operation, while being one of the most hospitable members of the volunteer team. 

Meznar contributed to the uniform distribution and volunteer shuttle committees and also supported various other areas during the week. Her positive attitude and cheerful demeanor were unwavering throughout the tournament and brought encouragement to those she worked alongside. Meznar devoted long hours to the success of the tournament’s operations and supported the rest of her crew with enthusiasm and diligence.

“Dedicated volunteers are the backbone of this tournament and without their help and support, we wouldn’t be able to host such an incredible event,” said Stan Hall, executive director. “Fran and Lisa were integral to the success of the event this year. For them to stand out among such an extraordinary pool of volunteers speaks to their significant contributions.” 

The volunteers were recognized for their contributions at a luncheon on Thursday, August 4 where they received their awards. They will be recognized on tournament signage next year and also have VIP parking spots at the event. 

Registration for new volunteers for the 2017 tournament taking place April 10-16 will open in mid-September. Those interested in volunteering can email Info@MitsubishiElectricClassic.com to receive notification when registration opens. Additional information can be found at MitsubishiElectricClassic.com/Volunteer.

The Mitsubishi Electric Classic is an official event on the PGA TOUR Champions. This 54-hole stroke-play golf tournament features 78 PGA TOUR Champions professionals competing for a $1.8 million purse at the prestigious TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, GA. The 2017 event will be held April 10-16 with all three official rounds being nationally televised on the Golf Channel. Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities through the Gwinnett Championship Foundation, Inc. The 2017 charitable recipients will be announced in early fall.