Talent and Generosity, a Winning Combination for a Palm Beach Teen
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (May 5, 2021) Thanks to the determination of Palm Beach teen golfer Rafe Cochran, a high school in Jamaica is one step closer to much-needed classroom space.
In April, 19 foursomes took to the greens in the Fifth Annual Rafe Cochran Golf Classic at Banyan Cay Resort & Golf in West Palm Beach to help the talented 16-year-old support his philanthropic mission of building and expanding schools through Food For The Poor.
“Each event has been an incredible journey, which provided me with the means to help others, and this year’s golf classic, the fifth annual, was truly a beautiful event,” Rafe said. “It was much anticipated after being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been such a struggle for all of us. I feel people were ready to get together safely for a good cause. There was a special energy surrounding this year’s event because people understood more than ever the importance of health and education.”
One of those people was Ed Raine, FFTP President/CEO, who participated in the golf classic with other team members from the charity.
“I am energized by this young man’s enthusiasm for his sport and his desire of taking something that he loves and using it to make a positive impact in the world,” Raine said. “Rafe’s golf classic is truly top-notch, and this year’s event will help to provide Holland High School in Jamaica with additional space for learning. Food For The Poor is thankful for Rafe’s generosity and is honored to have his support.”
Rafe created his charity golf event at age 11, hosting his first golf classic in 2016. His love for the game started when he was 6. With the support of his parents, at age 9 he became one of FFTP’s youngest donors, raising money to build 10 homes in Haiti, and later building or expanding three schools in Jamaica by the age of 14.
The sophomore at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach is a member of his school’s varsity golfing team. He competes in tournaments year-round, nationally and internationally. He’s also passionate about education and understands it takes a network of people to make his dream of building schools a reality.
“I am truly overwhelmed by all the support I have received over the years,” Rafe said. “I want to say ‘thank you’ to all my supporters. I want them to know that we are in this journey together to help others.”
The golf tournament had a variety of raffle items, including memorabilia, attractions and travel. Proceeds from raffle sales will be used to benefit the Holland High School in Falmouth, Trelawny, Jamaica.
To help Rafe fulfill his fundraising goal please visit: www.FoodForThePoor.org/rafe
Event Sponsors: Bessemer Trust and Susan Phipps Cochran, Food & Beverage Sponsor: Braman Motorcars, Gift Bag Sponsors: The Romeo Family, The Schar Family and The Preston Family, Caddy Sponsor: The Romero Family, Golf Cart Sponsor: Banyan Cay Resort & Golf, Longest Drive Closest to the Pin Sponsors: The Heard Family and Susan Antinori, Hole Sponsors: The MacMorris Family, Intercoastal Financial Group, CrossFit El Cid, The Hilpl Family, Vasantha Siva, Vernon Westfall, Sam Netkin, The Giangrande Foundation, The Woodman Family, Lamont Harris, The Parker Family and Sol & Hermina Cantor.
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry children and families living in poverty primarily in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicine, educational materials, homes, support for vulnerable children, care for the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.
Wanda Wright
Public Relations
954-427-2222 x 6079
[email protected]
