The power of clubs and the golf industry showcased in time of need
ORLANDO, Florida – From disaster and ashes comes generosity and the collective power of the club industry to support Oakland Hills Country Club employees impacted by February’s devastating clubhouse fire.
ClubsHelp, a 501(c)3 Foundation, in cooperation with the National Club Association (NCA) and Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation raised over $150,000 in two months.
Tapping into their mutual golf industry networks of golf course owners, club managers, golf course architects, golf professionals, members, media, and corporate partners, the three organizations pooled resources and presented the check this week to representatives of Oakland Hills Country Club (OHCC).
Rob Goulet, President and Co-Founder of ClubsHelp said, “This effort is a tremendous example of what can happen when the club industry comes together and lends support in times of need, which is ClubsHelp’s mission. Whether it’s a natural disaster or something directly impacts a club or community, that’s why we’re here.”
Oakland Hills Country Club has determined to best support its employees by compensating all hourly employees who have had work hours reduced, or season start dates delayed until the interim facilities at Oakland Hills Country Club are in place.
According to Richard Palmer, OHCC President, “Oakland Hills Country Club paid all staff for their scheduled work hours from their planned season start date, so their compensation remains unaffected by the fire.”
Immediately following the clubhouse fire, ClubsHelp pledged $15,000 and offered its online fundraising donation platform to the industry to consolidate donations.
Individual clubs stepped to the forefront as did various chapters of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), club foundations, and private donors.
Additionally, the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation contributed $34,008 to the fund, the largest single donation.
“In carrying forward the Palmer legacy, we are proud to support our friends in golf, as well as care for those who are integral to a place important to the history of this great game,” said Ken Boehner, President and Chair of the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation. “The support from the foundation and our donors was made to honor the historic connection between Arnold Palmer and Oakland Hills by supporting the dedicated people who have helped make it a national treasure.”
ClubsHelp was formed at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist frontline workers secure difficult-to-get PPE and food supplies.
Since then, legendary golfers Jack Nicklaus and Ernie Els have lent their support, as well as some of America’s top clubs (Seminole, Desert Mountain), and generous corporate partners (Clif Bar, Ahead).
For additional information about ClubsHelp, access the web site at www.clubshelp.org
