They Dig Volunteering Christies Ready To Do Their Part At Annual Volleyball Tourney

Thousands of 10K runners, 3-point specialists and killer spikers have benefited from Gordy and Patty Christie’s free spirit.

If ever there were a Mr. and Mrs. Volunteer, the Christies fill the bill.

“We’ll do anything for a free T-shirt,” said Gordy with a booming chuckle. “We’ll work for two weeks for a T-shirt.”

Gordy, a part-time school bus driver for the Mead School District, and his wife, a semi-retired, lunch-hour tavern cook, will add to their collection Saturday and Sunday by manning the merchandise booth at the Spike and Dig volleyball tournament at Spokane Falls Community College.

It’s a job for which they have volunteered since the inception of the grass-court tournament for six-player teams six years ago. But it wasn’t always T-shirts and tank-top sales for the Christies of Spokane. They’ve worked their way up the ranks, beginning with low-scale labor at the first Bloomsday run, 21 years ago.

“He started out handing out water (at Bloomsday). I did the Gatorade. My arm was red up to here,” said Patty, pointing above her elbow.

The Christies, married 39 years, said they got involved in volunteering after their two children graduated from Ferris High School. Like many, they wanted to give back to the community. But they never thought it would come to this.

“Need a volunteer? Call the Christies,” said Patty, who quickly added, “No, wait, they’ll call us now.”

That’s if there are any groups that haven’t already phoned.

The Christies recall missing just one Bloomsday (this year, because they were in Alaska). Before cutting down on their schedule, along with the elimination of some events, the Christies also helped at the Special Olympics, Junior Olympics, TAC track meets, Coeur d’Alene shootouts, Junior Diabetics bike runs and the Spokane Grand Prix.

Hoopfest, the Troika and Spike & Dig still benefit from their generosity. Since 1990, Gordy also has been videotaping Spokane Chiefs hockey games.

Spike & Dig, said Gordy, ranks high on his and his wife’s list.

“Spike & Dig is a picnic next to Hoopfest,” he said. “Hoopfest is downtown, hot. This is on the grass.”

While thousands of participants and spectators will be running around the SFCC grounds this weekend, the Christies will stay put behind the merchandise counter. Need a suggestion in size? Ask the Christies.

“In the last couple of years doing this, we kind of know how to sell,” Patty said. “If they think it’s too big, you show them how to take a little tuck in the tank top.”

If tailoring tips aren’t enough, the Christies have more up their sleeves.

“They come get him (Gordy) every now and then when they’re short a player or need a scorekeeper,” Patty said.

Added Gordy: “But they decided they didn’t need me anymore.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: DIGGING IN What: Sixth annual Spike & Dig volleyball tournament Where: Spokane Falls Community College When: Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Participants: 200 teams of sixes on 65 grass courts Divisions: AAA, AA, A, B, C and Jungle Ball (novice); adult and junior Scoring: Match win is 2 out of 3 games. Games scored to 11 points; must win by two Format: Pool play Saturday. Teams seeded for Sunday’s single-elimination tournament. Prizes: T-shirts to all participants. $500 to AAA division winner Registration: Field is closed