Rafe Cochran Golf Classic and FFTP to Support Education and Hurricane Relief in Jamaica
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Nov. 18, 2025) – As Palm Beach County native Rafe Cochran prepares to tee off for the annual golf tournament that bears his name, his focus is squarely on helping the people of Jamaica recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa through his longstanding partnership with Food For The Poor (FFTP).
The Ninth Annual Rafe Cochran Golf Classic will take place on Monday, Nov. 24, at Trump International Golf Club, 3505 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach. Traditionally, the event raises funds for school construction or infrastructure improvements, reflecting Cochran’s strong belief that education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.
This year, Cochran is expanding beyond the scope of helping a single school by supporting education and the restoration of schools impacted by the hurricane.
“When I saw the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, I knew we needed to act,” Cochran said. “Education remains at the heart of what we do, and we will remain focused on that mission by helping to restore as many schools as we can.”
Cochran began playing golf at age 6. He tapped into his passion for philanthropy three years later after hearing a presentation at his school by Delane Bailey-Herd, director of major and principal gifts at FFTP. Her description of the charity’s efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean inspired Cochran to get involved.
He decided to combine his love of golf with his desire to help others by raising money through golf pledges to build homes for families in Ganthier, Haiti. His fundraising formula, pledges for pars, birdies, and eagles, quickly gained attention and support.
Since hosting the first Rafe Cochran Golf Classic in 2016, the event has become an annual tradition, pausing only during the COVID-19 pandemic. By age 14, Cochran had funded the construction of 10 homes in Haiti and went on to build or expand seven schools in Jamaica. Last year, his efforts supported the expansion of Brompton Primary School in St. Elizabeth Parish, which served as a shelter and was badly damaged during Hurricane Melissa.
“It is difficult to imagine what the children and families in Jamaica are experiencing right now,” Cochran said. “But I am inspired by their strength and resilience. Even after a devastating storm, there is an incredible will to rebuild and move forward.”
FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine praised Cochran for his ongoing support and for his decision to help in the relief and recovery efforts in Jamaica.
“The people of Jamaica are struggling right now, and we are so grateful that Rafe wants to help,” Raine said. “Half of the population has been affected by Hurricane Melissa. The impact in the western part of the island has been catastrophic – we’ve never seen this level of destruction before.”
Although the golf classic is usually held in April, Cochran rescheduled the event for November to align with his academic and athletic commitments at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., where he’s a member of the golf team.
“Balancing school and golf is challenging, but service is a priority for me,” Cochran said. “This tournament is the highlight of my year, and I will always make time to give back. That is especially important this year because of the urgent need for assistance in Jamaica.”
The deadline to register for the Rafe Cochran Golf Classic is Friday, Nov. 21, at noon.
In addition to the excitement of the game, the tournament will include various raffle items. For more information, please visit https://foodforthepoor.org/rafe-cochran-2025, email [email protected], or call 954-427-2222 ext. 4021.
Special thanks to event sponsors
Premier Event Sponsor: Bessemer Trust; Event Sponsors: Braman Porsche West Palm Beach and Susan Phipps Cochran; Food and Beverage Sponsors: Ron & Dee Romeo and Mr. & Mrs. Dwight Schar; Longest Drive Closest to the Pin Sponsor: Walker Bottomley; Gift Bag Sponsor: Elena Arredondo; Hole & Tee Signs Sponsors: Barefoot Monkey, Orbits, Mr. & Mrs. Jim MacMorris, Lamont Harris, Robert Netkin, Richard Kuppelman, Vernon Westfall, Mr. Tony Peck, Ms. Vasantha Sivaloganath, and the Kendall Family.
About Food For The Poor
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States, is committed to facilitating paths out of poverty and transforming lives. As an interdenominational Christian ministry, we help families across Latin America and the Caribbean. Our efforts span urgent humanitarian relief and long-term development – from emergency aid and hunger alleviation to education, housing, and economic empowerment. We follow a distinctive approach that integrates faith, multi-sector strategies, and trusted partnerships. Whenever possible, we strive to work at the community level, partnering with local leaders and residents to co-create sustainable solutions that address the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Ernestine Williams
Communications
305-321-7342
[email protected]
