Rain Check for Chamber Golf Par-Tee

The first day of fall is typically the perfect background for the Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing presented by Serpentini Orrville. Mother Nature had other plans for the 2021 Outing that was cancelled due to unfavorable weather conditions. The event had been planned with no rain date.

The Chamber Executive Committee made the decision to cancel in a virtual meeting Tuesday morning. 

“Cancelling an event is always a hard decision,” commented Dave Hershey, past Chamber Board Chair. “But the heavy rain forecasted a total wipe out for the day. We really had no other choice but to call it.”

This is the first time anyone can remember the event being cancelled. Hershey consulted with his dad, Bob Hershey, who has played in the Chamber outing for more years than anyone. He could not recall a time when it was cancelled due to weather.

“This was a first for the Chamber and our event policy is no refunds, so we needed to decide how to best deliver value to the participants and sponsors,” stated Kristin Endsley, Chamber Board Chair.

The Chamber staff quickly assembled “Rain Check Boxes” for each team. The boxes included 4 vouchers for 18-Holes of Golf with cart and driving range balls, a gift card to Old Carolina Barbecue and goodie bags filled with candy and snacks.

“We felt it was important to honor the financial commitments that were made to Riceland Golf Course, where the outing was to be held, as well as to Old Carolina Barbecue that was scheduled to cater the meal at the conclusion of the day,” explained Lori Reinbolt, Chamber President. “The raincheck boxes provided a win/win for participants and the businesses that the Chamber had contracted with.”

“The Chamber always puts on a nice outing and we welcome the opportunity to host the business community on our course,” commented Larry Lisic, owner, Riceland Golf Club. “It’s not often that organizations provide a rain check voucher when canceling an outing. I greatly appreciate that the Chamber made this a win for everyone involved.”

The golf outing is an annual fundraiser for the Chamber, a 501c6 non-profit organization. Event sponsors could donate to the Chamber this year or to defer their sponsorship to the 2022 Chamber Golf Par-Tee. 

“Lehman’s chose to donate our Hole Sponsorship to the Chamber,” shared Glenda Ervin, Director of Marketing. “I appreciated that the Chamber provided options to the sponsors.”

The Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce is an essential resource for our members and community. By promoting active engagement, the Chamber’s network empowers our members to achieve their goals. To learn more about the Chamber, visit www.orrvillechamber.com.