When disaster strikes, it’s not just about how quickly you can rebuild – it’s about the strength of the relationships you’ve cultivated along the way. This summer, the Wichita Open faced an unexpected challenge that put those relationships to the ultimate test.
As I sat down with Dusty Buell, leader of the Wichita Open, and Ari Gross from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, I was struck by their incredible story of resilience, community spirit, and the power of authentic connections.
The Storm That Shook Wichita
Picture this: It’s 4:30 AM on a Tuesday, just days before one of the most anticipated events in Wichita. Dusty receives a text that would make any event organizer’s heart sink – a tornado had swept through the golf course, leaving destruction in its wake.
“When I pulled in there a little after 5 AM, it’s devastation,” Dusty recalled. “You don’t understand the magnitude of what happened until you show up and put boots on the ground and see it for yourself.”
With the Pro-Am scheduled to start at 6:50 AM the very next day, and the main tournament kicking off on Thursday, the clock was ticking. This wasn’t just a minor setback – it was a potential event-ending disaster.
The Power of Authentic Relationships
In that moment of crisis, something remarkable happened. The community that Dusty and his team had invested in for years showed up in force.
“My first call was to my buddies,” Dusty shared. “The guys that I’ve known since I was 4 years old and played on sports teams with. All I have to do is give them a call.”
But it didn’t stop there. As word spread, an army of volunteers materialized:
- Local residents with rakes and leaf blowers
- CEOs trading their desks for chainsaws
- Lawn care companies arriving with trailers
- Sponsors and stakeholders rallying their networks
Ari, representing title sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, was amazed by the response.
“We show up and they don’t need us because there are so many volunteers already in action. I mean, what they were able to clear in just the first couple of hours…”
This outpouring of support wasn’t just about saving a golf tournament. It was a testament to the genuine connections and community spirit that Dusty, Ari, and their teams had fostered over the years.
Lessons in Resilience and Community Building
As we reflected on this extraordinary experience, several key lessons emerged for event organizers and business leaders:
1. Invest in Relationships Year-Round
The relationships that saved the Wichita Open weren’t built overnight. They were the result of consistent, authentic engagement throughout the year. As Dusty put it, “This is 365 days.”
2. Create a Sense of Shared Ownership
The volunteers who showed up didn’t see themselves as outsiders helping an event. They felt a sense of ownership and pride in the Wichita Open. This speaks to the importance of making your stakeholders feel truly invested in your event’s success.
3. Be Transparent in Times of Crisis
Dusty emphasized the importance of vulnerability and transparency when communicating with the community. This openness fostered trust and motivated people to help.
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4. Flexibility is Key
Both Dusty and Ari highlighted the need to be adaptable. When all your carefully laid plans go out the window, the ability to pivot quickly becomes crucial.
5. Focus on the Human Element
In the midst of logistical chaos, it’s easy to lose sight of the human connections that make events special. Ari’s team found unexpected bonding moments in late-night furniture assembly by golf cart headlights.
The Ripple Effect of Community Spirit
The impact of this community response extended far beyond saving the tournament. It reinforced the unique spirit of Wichita and created lasting memories for everyone involved.
Ari shared a touching personal moment:
“My husband has followed George Brett since he was 10 years old. He had an opportunity to interact with George and he froze. And it has been one of his greatest regrets in life. So when George shows up and he’s like hanging out in our space, and then Bill gets to follow like 18 holes of golf with his childhood hero. I mean, like, life is good.”
These are the kinds of magical moments that can emerge from crisis when you have a strong community foundation.
Building Resilience Into Your Event DNA
As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Dusty and Ari what they would teach in a masterclass on resilience. Their responses encapsulate the spirit that turned potential disaster into triumph:
Dusty: “It’s never over. That there’s always a way to find a way if you have the will in your heart.”
Ari: “Attitude is everything… It’s really amazing what you can accomplish when you just choose not to be negative.”
The story of the 2025 Wichita Open is more than just an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of building genuine, lasting relationships within your community. When you invest in people consistently, they’ll show up for you when it matters most.
For event organizers and business leaders, the lesson is clear: Your most valuable asset isn’t your venue, your sponsors, or even your event itself. It’s the web of authentic relationships you weave throughout the year. Nurture those connections, and you’ll build an event – and a community – that can weather any storm.
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