Written by: Stephanie LaBaff
Featured in VeroNews
Residents of Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club kicked off the holiday season in a spectacular fashion as they gathered at the Beach Club for their annual Operation Hope Cocktail Reception, which has become a beloved tradition for club members.
The evening began on the oceanfront veranda, where more than 200 members enjoyed cocktails against the backdrop of the incoming Cold Moon, a delightful ocean breeze, and a growing mountain of gifts that would soon make their way to deserving children. The stash of LEGOs, dolls, bikes and more were carefully laid beneath a large Christmas tree, cheerfully decorated by members along with wreaths and festive lights that really decked the halls.
The event is a highlight on the club’s calendar as friends gather over an outpouring of camaraderie and generosity for Operation Hope, a Fellsmere-based nonprofit founded in 1997 by Jesse Zermeño.
The toys they donated were to be the centerpiece of the Operation Hope Christmas Festival, a community event that serves hundreds of families, ensuring that children who might otherwise wake up Christmas morning without receiving a visit from Santa would have a gift to unwrap.
Guests were asked to bring a gift donation, and many arrived with armfuls of three or more. Rob Tench, Orchid’s general manager, estimated that nearly 150 toys were collected this year, destined to brighten the holidays of many families.
“It is an event that the members look forward to each year. They really rally around to help support the kids in the local community,” shared Tench.
Over the last two decades, the vision of Jesse Zermeño for Operation Hope has grown into a lifeline for Fellsmere families, providing food, clothing and household necessities to those in need of help.
“It is a great organization, and we are proud to support them year after year,” said Tench.
Following the cocktail hour, guests moved upstairs for a steakhouse-themed buffet dinner before capping off the evening with a holiday-infused performance by the Sebastian River High School Chorus, wrapping up the night and filling everyone with a dose of holiday spirit.
For more information, visit OperationHopeFl.org.
