What started 30 years ago as a few coworkers getting together for a round of golf, then including some vendors, presenting a few prizes and raising money to benefit the Southeast Cancer Unit, Inc. (SECU), has grown into a signature event for Okefenoke REMC as  evidenced by the $22,674.96 check presented to Linda Henderson, Brantley Coordinator for SECU, earlier today. The funds were the proceeds from OREMC’s sold-out, 30th Annual Golf Tournament held on September 25.

 A very emotional Linda Henderson accepted the check along with her brother, Larry Lee. She exclaimed, “You said it was more than last year, but I didn’t expect double. We can work a whole year and not make this much. We are so thankful for all your hard work. This is such a blessing.” Her brother echoed the sentiment noting, “This will make a tremendous difference.”

Having played in every tournament since its inception, OREMC Purchasing Coordinator Michael Hickox has witnessed the event’s evolution first-hand. “Thinking back on the tournament in its early years, it was simply an opportunity for employees to get to know one another outside of work,” he explains. “Then as our vendors and strategic partners joined us, they were very giving of prizes for players. But today this tournament has reached heights I never imagined. And the generosity of our players is amazing. They know what the money is going to and that is the key to their participation—the funds are staying local.”

 “We are humbled and grateful for the support of our sponsors, players, donors and volunteers who make the tournament possible,” says OREMC Member Communication/Marketing Coordinator Michele Hutchins. “Thanks to them we are able to make this donation to SECU which will have a significant, positive impact on the lives of our community members going through a very difficult time.”

OREMC’s golf tournament has grown exponentially over the past three years since efforts to enhance the tournament were deployed. Hutchins explains, “We’ve built on our relationships with vendors and strategic partners to elevate sponsorship and promotional opportunities, which in turn has increased player participation and our level of fundraising.” The 30^th Annual Okefenoke REMC Golf Tournament was presented by Oglethorpe Power/Georgia Transmission/Georgia System Operations. Other major sponsors included: EnerVision, Links/Picture Sponsor; Altec, Towel Sponsor; Southeastern Bank, Golf Ball Sponsor; Cart Sponsors Asplundh, Current Edge Solutions, Greer Wealth Advisors, Irby Utilities and Pike Electric; and Hole-in-One Sponsor Mike Murphy Kia.

The Southeast Cancer Unit, Inc. is a volunteer organization helping cancer patients in Brantley, Pierce and Ware counties with medical expenses while undergoing cancer treatment. Patients can receive assistance with gas vouchers, medical supplies and medication costs. For more information or an application to the Southeast Cancer Unit Inc., contact Linda Henderson at 912-288-4318 or the main office in Waycross at 912-287-9008.