Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club holds an annual 5K Walk/Run to support area organizations. Each year the proceeds from the event benefit a local charity or cause, which is determined earlier in the year by the Club’s Fitness & Wellness Committee. This year the Committee selected United Against Poverty IRC (UP). Due to lingering concerns regarding the Covid-19 virus, an additional option to participate in raising donations for UP was available to Members. We held a virtual run the week prior to the 5K Walk/Run that took place at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club. The Fitness team including Denise Duda, Director of Fitness, Wellness & Spa and Tiffany Long, Manager of the Tennis & Fitness Pro Shop, were able to track the miles that Members walked/ran throughout the week leading up to the actual physical 5K that took place at the Club. Progress was logged at the Tennis & Fitness Center as well as on our Club website.

This year’s 19th Annual 5K Walk/Run was held Friday, April 2nd and despite cool temperatures and windy conditions, over 50 Members and Family Guests participated. A big thank you to all 66 Members who generously sponsored the race as well as 18 virtual runners. Matt Tanner, Executive Director and George Cooper, Development Director were both on hand to personally thank all donors and participants and give an overview of how the proceeds from the 19th Annual 5K will be used.

Member Bill Badia came in as fastest Male Member finisher and Member Elke Higgins was celebrated as fastest Female Member finisher. Our virtual race mileage thermometer received the biggest bump up from Mr. Phil Gulley who logged his miles in daily for our week-long virtual run.

“Orchid Island is thrilled to support United Against Poverty, an organization that gives so much to the Community. Their work in these difficult times have made a difference to many. It is an honor to be associated with them.” shared Bill Kennedy, Orchid Island Board of Governors Tennis & Fitness Committee Chair.

A check presentation took place on Thursday, April 22, 2021. United Against Poverty IRC was extremely grateful especially in these trying times. We had our greatest donation to date. Orchid Island Golf Club was able to provide a check of $18,000 to United Against Poverty. Matt Tanner, Executive Director, was on hand to except this check.

“Thanks to the support that the Orchid Island Community has shown in our mission, the team at United Against Poverty is positioned to continue to innovate, build coalitions in our Community and have the agility and resources to rise to meet the greatest needs of our Neighbors. Our Hand UP vs a Hand Out model has impacted the lives of thousands of Residents across our great county, and with the generosity of Orchid Island, we will only further expand our impact.” expressed Matt Turner, Executive Director, United Against Poverty.

Orchid Island is a private and intimate residential golf course community, offering gracious waterfront and golf course homes, an award-winning Arnold Palmer golf course, a state-of-the art Tennis & Fitness Center and an intimate Beach Club perfectly suited for leisurely gatherings, club activities and exceptional dining. Orchid Island has gained certification as being one of “Americas Healthiest Clubs” from Prevo Health Solutions, as well as being awarded the designation of being a “Distinguished Club” and “A Platinum Club of America.”

Pictured:

l-r Matt Tanner, Executive Director, United Against Poverty IRC (UP), Tiffany Long Tennis & Fitness Shop Manager, Member Bill Kennedy, Orchid Island Board of Governors Tennis & Fitness Committee Chair, Denise Duda, Director of Fitness, Wellness & Spa and Rob Tench, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club General Manager