The annual McDonald's Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament is one of the premier high school basketball tournaments in the nation featuring the most talented teams-and the event wouldn't see the success it has if it weren't for the dedication and efforts of its volunteers.

"The volunteers are the heartbeat of this tournament," said tournament chairman Ben Meador. "It is so exciting to see people year after year who are so willing to do whatever it takes to make this event a success. We have some of the finest people in the world living in our community. They care and are so generous in committing their time and talent to make this event one of the best in the country."

The tournament hosts 48-boys' teams and 32-girls' teams from across the state and is sponsored in large part by McDonald's, the City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. The tournament serves as the primary fundraiser for the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation, which provides $100,000 in grants every year to help fund innovative educational programs districtwide that can not be afforded through regular operating budgets. Last year, the tournament made a record $100,000 donation to the foundation.

Every year, the tournament draws in more than 300 volunteers, and tournament volunteer committee members are starting their search for volunteers for this year's event, which will be held Nov. 20-22.

"Volunteers play a critical role in this tournament," said the tournament's volunteer chairwoman Darla Haygood. "By supporting this tournament, these volunteers have made a significant difference in the lives of our children."

Some volunteer opportunities available for those interested in participating in the tournament are selling T-shirts and tickets to students and adults at each of the tournament's eight venues. Volunteers are also needed to host the hospitality rooms at each venue offering refreshments and food for the coaches and tournament officials. Most volunteers work an average of two to four hours when they are available.

"Without the support of our volunteers, we would not be able to host this tournament," said Haygood. "We encourage community members and Pasadena ISD employees to get involved because we are giving back to our community by enriching the lives of our children. They are our future, and as community members, we need to pave the way for our future."

Hosting a tournament team is another way for individuals to get involved in the tournament. Team hosts serve as liaisons for their teams for the length of the tournament and are responsible for meeting their team, handing out "goodie bags" (provided) to each participant, giving directions to gym locations and suggesting restaurants.

"Team hosts serve as ambassadors for not only the district, but the city," said team host chairs Debi and Jerry Krampen. "It is a great way for them to meet some of the finest athletes and coaches in the state, and they also get to watch some awesome basketball. Team hosts are a unique part of this tournament because it's their job to make the teams feel welcome and serve as 'fans' for the participating teams."

Volunteers are directed by team captains who oversee them at each venue to ensure adequate coverage and volunteer schedules are flexible. Two volunteer training sessions are also provided at Pasadena Memorial High School two weeks prior to the tournament so that each volunteer is informed of their duties.

With more than 30,000 in attendance over the three-day tournament, Meador said this event provides a great opportunity for community members to help showcase the premier City of Pasadena and its citizens.

"We want all of the coaches, teams and fans attending the games to see that the tournament is well organized and all details are handled so that everything runs smoothly," said Meador. "Our volunteers handle their duties in such a manner that all visitors who come to the tournament leave with a very positive impression of our city, our schools and our citizens. That is something that advertising dollars can't buy."

For information on volunteering, please contact Haygood at 713-594-2305. To become a team host, call Debi or Jerry Krampen at 713-740-0046 or 713-740-0827. For more information on the tournament or to fill out volunteer and host forms online, please visit www.texasinvitational.com.