Rafe Cochran Golf Classic Raises Funds to Provide Greater Access to Education, Rebuild Schools Hit by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Nov. 26, 2025) – The Ninth Annual Rafe Cochran Golf Classic, held each year in partnership with Food For The Poor (FFTP), brought 25 foursomes together on Nov. 24 at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Fla., with one purpose – to give children in Jamaica greater access to education.
Cochran thanked his parents, Diahann and Jay Cochran, for their support, as well as the golfers and organizers for participating in the event. He also shared his motivation for establishing the tournament nine years ago and encouraged them to follow his example.
“If there is a single idea that I hope you carry with you today, it is that you are never too young to take action to make a difference,” he said. “The moment you become aware of someone else’s suffering is the moment you are old enough to help it change.”
This year, the golf classic raised funds to build a new three-classroom building at Brown’s Town Model Infant School, located in Jamaica’s St. Ann Parish, where overcrowded classrooms and inadequate restroom conditions impact students’ well-being. Fundraising continues, and Cochran wants to use any additional dollars raised beyond the goal to rebuild schools the event previously funded and were damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Melissa.
Cochran, 20, began his partnership with FFTP as an elementary school student. Over the past nine years, the classic has funded the construction of 10 homes in Haiti and built or expanded seven schools in Jamaica. Now, a student-athlete at Emory University in Atlanta, he is continuing his effort with his latest project.
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.
Since the classic began in 2016, the event has become an annual tradition. 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.
Cochran’s rationale for moving from building homes to schools is simple: he wants to make lasting change that will impact Jamaica for generations to come.
“I realized that I wanted to raise money toward something that can last forever and to really impact each person, rather than just give them something for now,” Cochran said. “I want to give them an opportunity to better themselves, better the country, and to improve their lives. And I believe having access to education is the best way to do that.”
Cochran’s mission resonates with all the golfers and sponsors who participated in the classic, including his lifelong friend, Allan Kournikova.
“Rafe truly cares about people and about making a difference in people’s lives,” Kournikova said. “It’s an incredible cause. From day one, he’s had a vision, and he’s absolutely thrilled to partner with Food For The Poor to make an impact in people’s lives.”
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]
