Don't let the rain get your down

If you have ever hosted a golf tournament in sunny South Florida or any outdoor event for that matter, you know that the biggest concern is the weather. After many months of planning, the Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce’s 5th annual golf tournament was to take place on Thursday, May 19th. What could make the day more interesting than a massive rainstorm the previous day and a weather forecast that couldn’t make up its mind on the big day? Registered golfers called throughout the morning with thoughts that the tournament would be washed out, but we pushed forward with confidence that the day would turn around. Registration opened at 11:00 am, and by Noon, it began to drizzle. The forecast showed a 50% chance of rain; not too bad for a May day, then 35%; we breathed a sigh of relief, then back up to 50%; no reason to fear, then 85%; by now our blood pressure was rising. The golf staff checked in on us periodically asking what our plans were for a rainout. The truth? There is no backup plan for golf!

Without a hitch, our golfers teed off at 1:00 pm. Everyone had a great time, and while the skies stayed gray, the rain did not come. We finished the day with an awards reception complete with hot dogs, hot wings and homemade potato chips. There were great raffle items including restaurant gift certificates and booze baskets as well as a silent auction, turned live auction, featuring an original painting of the Hammock Course and a round of golf for four at St. Andrews Country Club.

Proceeds from this fun-filled event are being used to fund the Ocean Reef Chamber’s Scholarship Program, granting scholarships to deserving children of Chamber Members. The Ocean Reef Chamber has over 160 companies delivering quality services throughout the year. The Chamber created the Scholarship Program to give back to the hard-working employees that serve our community every day.  Each year the Chamber awards several $1,000 scholarships to qualified applicants that have earned the award. Scholarships have been granted for the advancement of scholastic, athletic or cultural education.  Last year’s recipients were the children of two long-time Ocean Reef employees, having served the Ocean Reef Community for over two decades. Thanks to the support of our golfers and gracious sponsors, we will be able to grant more scholarships this year. 

We ask that you please continue to support the Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce and its mission to provide “Ocean Reef Quality” service. For a listing of active Chamber Members please visit our website www.oceanreefchamber.org, see the last page of every Ocean Reef Press, or refer to businesses outlined in red in your ORCA Directory.