By Tammie Durfey

This award is a lasting legacy to the giving spirit of a young lady who’s love of our sport and unselfish attitude set the standard for CMSA volunteers.

My daughter, Tova Durfey, was passionate for the CMSA. She loved competing but more than that, Tova understood what it takes to play our game. The time we each spend in the arena shooting balloons is but a drop in the bucket to what it takes to put on a match.

Behind the scenes is a hustle and bustle of activity, whether it’s obvious, like balloon setters, who often did not return for the second day, or announcers, who can make or break audience involvement. Then there is the unseen, where we have countless hours on the telephone, miles driven to inspect arenas, or the immeasurable patience of search and research to satisfy discrepancies.

Being a volunteer for anything is often a hard, thankless task, which all too often goes unnoticed. The “Tova Durfey Volunteer Award” was created to show those people who work “behind the scenes” that we do notice and appreciate them. Their hard work and willing attitude are the epitome of what our organization is about. Tova and I first met Jim and Lily Rodgers, Phil Spangenberger, Frank Turben, Wes Walton, Annie Bianco- Ellet and many others, in 1998. We were welcomed into the fold with open arms. Due to the demands of life in general, we were unable to attend another match until 2002. Although I qualified for the World Championship, we were unable to attend. Next year told a diff erent story. Both Tova and I qualifi ed, but she opted to volunteer for Frank Turben in the office and Cortland Parks, then in charge of volunteers, running messages and food to and for the announcers. This resulted in some wonderful friendships with everyone.


As we neared the 2004 season, Tova came to me with a proposition. She would give me 2004 to shoot if I would let her shoot on her  ‘05-‘06 senior year. So for 2004, Tova did not shoot, but volunteered. She did every job imaginable to help with a match: announcing, time keeper, books, set patterns, blow-up balloons, set balloons, prepare and serve food, hand out awards, and the ever-present clean up. All this was performed and accomplished with a smile on her face and a willing heart.

It was agreed I would not compete in 2005 and 2006 until after her graduation in May. It was my turn to support her. I tried to do so with the same enthusiasm and cheerfulness she had done. It is a decision I will never regret. She was killed in a car wreck in October, one month before the 2005 World.

Wanting her legacy to live on, I attended the World that year. My heartfelt thanks goes out to Brady Carr, Dan Plaster, Jim and Lily  Rodgers for their involvement in helping to create this award. We do want to say thank you to our volunteers, and to let them know
what they do does not go unnoticed. Th is award is on a national level, but more local and regional help is being recognized every year.

Past recipients have exhibited the same can-do attitude we all appreciate so much. They include: 2005 Sharon Sronce, 2006
Susan Henning, 2007 Diana Plaster, 2008 Jerry Moore, and this year, Barbara Ruwe.