Brittany Stewart, the director of retail at famed Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York, grew up as a Girl Scout in central New Jersey and first encountered the notion of serving her community during those formative years.
“All my life, I have tried to give back to the community as much as I can,” she said.
Though she has only worked at Oak Hill and lived in the area for a little more than a year, Stewart approached head professional Jason Ballard with an idea. It was very simple, but powerful: What if we created a food drive ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday? Ballard gave his consent, and so Stewart created a flyer that was sent to the membership. The program was unveiled in late October.
Beginning in early November, members dropped off food donations at the golf shop, where it was weighed before being transported to the Pittsford Food Cupboard. Participating members received a golf shop gift certificate tied to the weight of the donated food.
How much food was donated? An impressive 500 pounds, not including four turkeys paid for by cash donations.
“Member support for the idea was tremendous. We could not have done this without the members,” Stewart said.
And it likely wouldn’t have happened without Stewart, a PGA of America member who received help from Oak Hill intern Meredith Hart in establishing a new tradition at the club.
“Their vision, combined with the generosity of the Oak Hill Country Club membership, will help families in need just in time for the holiday season,” Ballard said. “I couldn’t be more proud or more grateful for their dedication.”