ORCHID, FL - Orchid Island Members are very passionate about the environment and are true advocates in protecting it, so choosing the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) as their charity beneficiary for the 2018 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship went without question.
“Many of our Members support the ELC’s mission to educate people to be stewards of the environment, and this is another way for us to thank them for outstanding work,” shared Ted Hutton, Orchid Island Chairman of the Host Committee.
“Chosen as the Championship charity beneficiary is a game-changer for ELC. Neighbor to Orchid Island, we are an island-based nature center, offering countless recreational, educational and wellness programs for our community. But in some ways, we are a ‘best kept secret,’ in that many people do not know of us or all we offer. Being beneficiary both strengthens us financially and widely spreads word of our non-profit work; the latter, I am sure, will have immense, immeasurable positive impact in enabling us to fulfill our mission. We are thrilled,” expressed Molly Steinwald, ELC Executive Director.
In 2005 Orchid Island achieved distinction as a Certified Audubon Sanctuary from Audubon International and has maintained its certification annually ever since. Orchid Island’s award-winning Arnold Palmer Championship golf course is set to a beautiful backdrop of historic oak trees, superior grasses and lush landscaping, which makes it an exceptional location for the 57th U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship in October 2018.
The U.S. Senior Women's Amateur was first conducted in 1962 and is the Premier Amateur Golf Championship for women 50 years old and over. In 2018, 132 women will compete at Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club for the chance to be crowned "National Champion."
About Orchid Island
Orchid Island is a private and intimate residential golf course community, offering gracious waterfront and golf course homes, an award-winning Arnold Palmer golf course, a state-of-the art Tennis & Fitness Center and an intimate Beach Club perfectly suited for leisurely gatherings, club activities and exceptional dining. For two consecutive years Orchid Island has gained certification as being one of "Americas Healthiest Clubs" from Prevo Health Solutions, as well as being awarded the designation of being a "Distinguished Emerald Club of the World. For more information, visit www.orchidislandgolfandbeachclub.com
About Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center is a 64-acre island nature center with an interactive museum, native plant gardens, raised boardwalks and trails, classrooms, children’s play area, picnic facilities, visitor center and more. Its programs include school field trips, camps, lecture series, guided nature walks, canoe and pontoon trips, internships, outreach programs, and more. Net proceeds from this tournament will go directly to ELC to continue to expand its mission to connect all with nature. For more information, visit www.discoverelc.org