Vicki Oltean, who had already been involved with the City of Palm Springs Men's 40+ League, came onboard to help Mike with scheduling games and reserving the playing fields. After a few years, Mike became more involved with many other projects outside of softball so he decided to step down from his role as Director. He appointed Vicki for the position whom he felt was best qualified. Vicki Oltean became the tournament's third Director in 1997. The first project on Vicki's plate was to have this annual tournament benefit a worthy non-profit organization. She contacted Palm Springs' AIDS Assistance Program which provides food vouchers and a benefit counseling service to those who are low-income and living with HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Assistance Program is mostly supported by private donations and their own fundraising efforts. Wayne Fleisher, Program Coordinator for the AIDS Assistance Program, helps with the fundraising end of the tournament, including player registration, merchandise sales, finances and the Closing Ceremonies Award Presentation.
All proceeds go to the Palm Springs AIDS Assistance Program. In addition, local hotels have agreed to donate 10% of their proceeds from teams staying at their properties.
It has been this combination of effort among everyone involved that makes the Palm Springs Winter Classic Softball Tournment the great annual event that it is.
