Local & Community
Behind the Scenes: The Volunteers Powering the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells
The BNP Paribas Open, held at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens, is one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments, but the action on the courts is only part of the story. Behind the scenes, an army of dedicated volunteers ensures the event operates seamlessly, providing spectators with a world-class experience.
Brett Rosen reports live from the tournament, highlighting the vital role of the volunteer staff and the Champions Volunteer Foundation in making the tournament a success. Volunteers like Shirley Bullard, now in her fifth year of service, are the backbone of the event. Shirley’s motivation for returning year after year is simple: to recreate the extraordinary experience she had during her first visit to the tournament.
“It’s about giving visitors an incredible experience, just like I had on my first time here,” Shirley shared. Her commitment reflects the tournament's broader ethos of community and hospitality.
The Champions Volunteer Foundation benefits significantly from the tournament's success. After the event, Desert Champions, the organization behind the tournament, contributes substantial funds to the foundation. Last year, the foundation received $700,000, which it distributes through grants to over 60 charities in the Coachella Valley.
Nancie Wingo, Director of Volunteer Development, emphasizes the indispensable role of volunteers, who contribute an average of 48 hours over the two-week event. "The tournament couldn’t run without them," Wingo states.
For volunteers like Shirley, the tournament offers more than just community service—it fosters lifelong friendships and connections. Shirley recounts meeting a young girl whose dream is to play at Indian Wells one day, hoping Shirley will still be volunteering when that day comes.
The volunteers uphold high standards, ensuring that every question from spectators is met with a commitment to find an answer. Their goal is clear: to enhance every visitor’s experience, no matter the inquiry. This dedication is symbolized by the "Ask Me" badges volunteers proudly wear, signaling their readiness to assist.
The Champions Volunteer Foundation continues to seek more volunteers for future tournaments. Those interested can find more information on the NBC Palm Springs website.
As the BNP Paribas Open showcases world-class tennis, it also highlights the remarkable dedication of its volunteer staff, whose efforts extend the tournament’s impact beyond the courts and into the heart of the community.
By: NBC Palm Springs
March 13, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his main scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?