On February 15, 2021, an EF3 tornado ravaged the Ocean Ridge community.  Three residents perished, Rich and Phyllis O’Connor and Barry Glick, and 120 homes were impacted.  A series of community tributes have taken place since that event, culminating in a Memorial Tribute at the Plantation Club on August 26.

 

The previous community tributes included a candlelight vigil, a tornado impact survivors' luncheon, an SAC/ORCA Road Rally fundraiser with 62 teams and 102 residents participating, and an unveiling of the memorial bench.

 

The SAC & ORCA teams raised $2,463 to purchase the two beautiful memorial benches. An $8500 scholarship fund was created for EMT students at Brunswick Community College. The History Club donated $2200+ to a local elementary school where Barry Glick volunteered for the past 14 years. Prior to retirement, Barry Glick was a 7th grade teacher for 36 years. The $2,200 will purchase books for the school library. ORCA also donated more than $7,000 to families impacted by the tornado who do not live in Ocean Ridge.

 

The Memorial Tribute was, indeed, a beautiful but emotional event.  One hundred residents attended. The stories of generosity go on and on and had everyone in the audience in tears.  The tribute included some memorabilia representing the interests of our 3 neighbors whom we lost in the tornado. Tornado survivors gave beautiful heartwarming thanks to our community and powerful testimonials. The program concluded with a slideshow with "Before and After" pictures as well as a video, " I See God In You". God Bless this wonderful community. We are all so fortunate to have each other and to live in a community that genuinely cares so much for its friends and neighbors!