Volunteer helps keep FESJC going for 32 years

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Driving around TPC Southwind, we meet Russ Beatse, a 32-year volunteer for the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

“If I can help anybody that’s getting the most devastating news, that your child has cancer, if we can help with that there is nothing more than I want to do than to help out,” he said.

That’s just one of the reasons Beastse says his love for the tournament came from. He says the spark was first ignited 33 years ago, the day his son was born.

📡 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South .

📧 Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox.

“The doctor delivering the baby had tickets in his pocket and he said something about it. I said, ‘Oh are you going to the golf tournament?’ He said, ‘I am planning to go and he said I got extra tickets. She don’t need you this week.'”

With the look Beatse’s wife gave him, he didn’t go that year, but the next year his volunteer journey started.

The retired air marshal with the FAA even became a leader by starting a position where volunteers help other volunteers by delivering water.

“I was driving home and the tournament director at the time, Mr. Phil Cannon, who the media center is named after, calls me and says hey we want to talk about your idea we like it.”

• Democrats see RFK Jr.’s recent moves as signs of desperation
• Most young voters support Kamala Harris − but that doesn’t guarantee they will show up at the polls
• MATA suspending trolley service, ‘streamlining’ staffing costs
• How Much is an Electric Car Battery?
• Most Affordable Cars for 2024

A conversation that now has evolved into his own committee. Beatse says the work to support volunteers sparked an ever-greater love of giving back.

His team has raised about $10 million in the past 10 years for the hospital.

Beatse says while seeing some 1,600 volunteers throughout the tournament is great, it’s the light this event shines on the city that is truly beautiful.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee also supports the volunteers. They underwrite the cost of the volunteer program including uniforms and food.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.