A Celebration of Associate Milestones
By Holly Houser, Ocean Reef Press Manager
Honoring the commitment of longtime Ocean Reef Associates is a wonderful annual Club tradition, and all the more important given the difficult times experienced over this past year. That is why last month, Ocean Reef Club hosted Service Awards celebrations for every Associate that met a milestone year in 2020 and 2021.
The Service Awards acknowledges and thanks those Associates who have spent year after dedicated year at The Reef.
“You are what makes Ocean Reef different from other clubs,” Ocean Reef Club Chairman Ray Larkin said as he addressed Associates at the Service Awards luncheon. “No club in the world has this kind of dependability. I speak for all of our Membership when I say we appreciate and recognize your commitment. Your loyalty is palpable.”
This loyalty was on full display at the two Service Awards ceremonies lead by ORC President Alex Tonarelli – the first held at Town Hall Waterside for the 114 Associates reaching five and 10-year milestones, and the second, a luncheon and ceremony in Town Hall for the 71 honorees celebrating 15 years plus.
“Having the opportunity to honor our dedicated Associates, especially those that have been here for more than 15 years, was truly special. It is so rewarding to work alongside so many Associates that have been here for 15, 20, 25+ years,” reflected Tonarelli.
Remarkably, the 2020-2021 Service Awards celebrated a combined total of 2,245 years of service, with honorees hailing from all areas of the Club. “As I look around the room, I see Housekeeping, Engineering, Golf, Food & Beverage and Membership, both front of the house and back of the house associates, all represented,” said Tonarelli as he addressed awardees. “It is wonderful to see so many Associates taking pride in the service and hospitality that our Members have come to expect from your many years of service.”
What is most impressive, is not only seeing the representation from each department, but also the number of years some individuals have devoted to this Club. Of the 185 Associates commended for reaching milestones in 2020 and 2021, 26 of them celebrated a tenure of more than 25 years with the Club.
In fact, the Club’s highest tenured employee, Director of Club Security & Safety Sonny Vasquez, has been with the Club an incredible 51 years. Not many can say they enjoy their job so passionately to stay for half a century.
Featured above: Food & Beverage Managers Craig Horowitz, Diana Dardio and Anna Lichvar all celebrate 25 years at Ocean Reef.