Some SBIFF volunteers return year after year

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The 35th Santa Barbara International Film Festival has 527 volunteers this year.

As the volunteer coordinator, Lena Childers keeps count.

"They are helping with every facet of the event, between the red carpet here, films screenings and hospitality," said Childers.

She said they couldn't run the festival without volunteers like Judy and Jerry Headley.

The Headley's have been volunteering for more than two decades.

"I look forward to it every year, because I love meeting all the people that come here and I love all the films."

They don't get swag bags, but there are perks. They can see movies and tributes when seats are available.

"It is really wonderful to be here for the tributes at night, so we get the whole festival."

Jerry and Judy also work with the press to help them get to their celebrity interviews in front of the Arlington Theatre.

"We like movies and we like being associated with the festival. We think Roger Durling does a great job, and we were here before him," said Jerry Headley.

They have also left their mark. Judy Headley helped create what is now called the 10-10-10 filmmaker mentoring program.

Their granddaughter took part in the program a couple of years ago.

Judy and Jerry Headley plan to volunteer again next year.