In 1993, Members purchased Ocean Reef Club and on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, the Club’s “Founding Fathers” told the colorful, and often tenuous, manner in which it was done. Former Chairmen and Acquisition Committee members, Alan Goldstein and Tom Davidson, took Members back to the early 90’s with the story of the Buyout and the events surrounding the momentous occasion.
Recognizing the importance of this event sponsored by the Ocean Reef Historical Society – the Club as we know it wouldn’t be what it is today without the events of history – the Membership showed up filling the Cultural Center to the brim with close to 500 people. The Theatre was packed, overflowing into the Foyer where more Members watched on a screen. There wasn’t an open parking spot in sight.
Former Chairman Bob Schmetterer opened the presentation. He asked how many in the audience were here for the Buyout in 1993 and nearly 25% of the audience raised their hands. This is why, he said, it’s so important to tell the story – to ensure future generations of Members know the Club’s remarkable history.
Schmetterer introduced Alan Goldstein and Tom Davidson who took the stage and immediately began a playful banter that would last throughout the entire presentation. Their passion for the Club and preserving it was overwhelming, and Members in the audience were just as emotional, whether having lived through it or hearing it for the first time.
They relived the decade from their first-hand point of view. Beginning with Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which while devastating The Reef, turned into the perfect opportunity for Tom and Alan to propel the buyout forward – and ended with the huge millennium party on the beach, celebrating the start of a new decade. This also marked the genesis of “The New Ocean Reef Club,” complete with a driving range, clubhouse, fitness center, brand new Cultural Center, vibrant community, and in a few short years, a town hall and medical center. The stunning footage shown of Hurricane Andrew, along with the Buyout Celebration video created by Stacy Schmetterer conveyed the Club-wide pride felt at how far they’d come.
From stories about the laundry catching on fire, to the fireworks dud at the millennium party, this presentation is something you’ll want to see for yourself. Leonard Perfido, Member since 2014, remarked after the presentation, “I never had any idea. It made me feel so much more connected to what this place is all about.”
Alan and Tom finished the presentation, “That’s our story and we’re sticking to it!” and the Cultural Center rose with a standing ovation.
The video of the presentation is available here, and if you didn’t grab your complimentary Ocean Reef history book “On the Reef: The Legendary Ocean Reef Club & The People Who Made It Great” written by Dick Farmer and Shirley Shipley, you can pick it up at the Cultural Center or Membership Office.