Festival of the Trees

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

In an effort to make the Holiday Season at Ocean Reef more magical, an idea was generated to initiate our first Annual Festival of the Trees. The defining factor was to ensure it had the Ocean Reef Club (ORC) stamp of tradition. Six unique trees were carefully designed to represent the various aspects of ORC and showcased in different areas of the Club. The Burgee Tree at Palm Court represents our unique way of life; the Angel Tree located in the Business Center is decorated with angels – representing the always giving nature of our members; the Needlepoint Tree in Town Hall features Members’ handmade ornaments; the Tennis & Card Tree (complete with Pickleballs) represents the popular pastimes offered at the Tennis & Games Center; the Nautical Tree in the Inn Lobby is themed to represent Buccaneer Island and our surrounding ocean and the most spectacular of all, Carysfort Hall’s Orchid Tree designed by r.f. Orchids.

The final product helped make our Holiday Season even more unique and the Orchid Tree was the “talk” of the town. The idea of having individuals or families travel around the Club to take photos with each decorated tree is a special event in itself. It provides an opportunity for them to share their images with others and discuss the special meanings behind each creation.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Working very closely with our House & Grounds Committee and a décor company, each theme idea was carefully discussed and planned. The look of each tree needed to showcase the special attributes we cherish as a Club. Once the trees were set, posters were set near each one with a description and included the #ORTree.

The Members really loved the final result and enjoyed being able to spend quality time searching for each special tree. Some even want to have more trees created for next year!