New Orleans Relief Work - Zurich Classic of New Orleans
by Julie Petrovic

The PGA TOUR Wives Association, represented by Richelle Baddeley, Vicki Barr, Megan Mills, Julie Petrovic, Kate Phillips, Jennifer Smith, Angie Watson and Amy Wilson, spent four hours gutting a house in the Orlean Parish on Tuesday, April 25, during the week of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The girls, along with three other volunteers, removed personal belongings damaged by flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina, knocked down walls, removed tile floors and shoveled debris. There was a pile of dry wall and tile, ruined appliances and other items taller than the volunteers when they left. For the eight girls, it was a sobering and rewarding experience.

After a short orientation and distribution of eye goggles, gloves, protective suits and breathing masks, volunteers boarded a bus and drove over to the house we would be working on. Looking out the windows on the way and seeing the devastation first hand was terrible. We saw the painted markings that indicated if a house had been searched, when and how many bodies may have been found. It was horrible to see that they weren't all zeros. All of the girls had tears in their eyes when we arrived and after taking some deep breathes and wiping our eyes, we all held hands and Angie Watson led us in a prayer. Then, we suited up and got to work, determined to make a difference for the family of the house we were working on. The personal items we found were heartbreaking; the homeowner's husband's death certificate wrapped with an American flag, family jewelry, the family Bible, clothing, all buried under piles of muck and debris. All was gathered and set aside for the owner. It was inspiring and depressing and fulfilling and saddening all at once.

During our last hour, our bus driver, moved by what she was witnessing, suited up and joined us. Afterward, all of us headed back to our hotels to take long, hot showers, grateful that we could take showers and humbled by what we had seen. For me personally, I have never been prouder to be a part of the PGA TOUR Wives Association. I can't begin to describe my tumbled emotions, but I feel privileged to have been part of something that will directly impact someone who lost so much. I know my fellow volunteers feel the same way.

Our sincere thanks to Catholic Charities Operation Helping Hands project who helped us to organize this volunteer service project. This relief effort is still ongoing and the region is in desperate need of volunteers. If your group would be interested in getting involved in Operation Helping Hands, contact the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans at 504-371-7747 ext 215.