*The camaraderie and community here at Brays is owed much to the owners and staff that make Brays so special. This blog series highlights the owners who spend their time at Brays and how they enjoy our unique lifestyle throughout the year. *
Tom and Cindy Rochester have been owners at Brays Island for the better part of the last three decades. All it took was the drive through the front gate and they knew this is where they needed to be. For years, Brays was a second home getaway for the family and their children for holidays and summer vacations, but now Cindy and Tom spend the full year taking advantage of amenities, sporting opportunities, and nature at Brays.
Thanksgiving at Brays is a special time for the Rochester’s. In fact, the Rochester family is responsible for the inception of our annual Turkey Trot event every Thanksgiving. About 20 years ago, Tom and Cindy had guests coming to join them for the holiday. With the great resource of our Owner Services team, the family asked for help in organizing a Thanksgiving running event. And so, our annual holiday 5k was born. That first year we had about 50 participants from ages 6 to 76 and nine years later, about 250 owners and family members now run, jog, or walk our annual Turkey Trot.
More than just a turkey trot, the Thanksgiving holiday spent at Brays gives the Rochesters time to spend with the whole family participating in ample activities right at their doorstep. All ages of the family will shoot at the Gun Club and go for at least one quail hunt. A round of golf is always on the agenda, as well as long walks and conversations that seem to be even more special this time of year. Family dinners at the Plantation Grill offer a pause in busy everyday life and time to focus on what matters - family.
Every year is a chance for the Rochester family to build new memories, laugh at old ones, and spend quality time relaxing while having fun and enjoying the sporting amenities. And one thing they love is how it’s always easy to get the family together when the plan is coming to Brays.