You’re Invited to Ocala’s Biggest Holiday Office Party

School may have just started, and the first cold front is nowhere to be felt … but that’s not stopping Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club from planning Ocala’s Biggest Holiday Office Party! Called OBHOP for short, EVERYONE is invited to this winter-inspired, cocktail-attired event. So, if fine food, cocktails, entertainment and jolly old Saint Nick scream Christmas to you, clear your schedule on Friday, December 7^th, between the hours of 6 and 10 p.m. The spirit of the season will be well underway at 8300 N.W. 31st Lane Road, otherwise known as the 77,00-square-foot community clubhouse — more than enough room to spread some cheer.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

If anyone knows how to celebrate, it’s Golden Ocala, and we are here to prove it with:

• Cash bar
• Buffet
• Hot cocoa & cider bar
• Wine tasting
• Photo booth
• DJ
• Dancing
• Fortune Teller
• Visit with Santa

And for even more good tidings, we’re hosting a First Responders Culinary Combat right on the clubhouse patio. Local firefighters, police officers, EMTs and more will use Chef Rick’s secret ingredient to make main course meals that you will judge, according to taste — that is if the buffet doesn’t completely coat your belly first.

Speaking of a buffet, we hope you’re in the mood for classic Greek, Asian cashew chicken, caprese and hearts of romaine salads, as well as cheddar, smoked gruyere and port salute cheeses. Afterwards, the kitchen staff would be thrilled if you would partake in our chicken tortilla and lentil sausage fennel soups. Not to mention the garlic and thyme-rubbed prime rib and honey bourbon-glazed pork loin. And on the way out, Golden Ocala asks that you not forget to at least sample some mini pastries, blackberry cobbler and vanilla bean ice cream.

Eat, Drink and Give Back

Of course, though, Christmas time would simply not be magical if we didn’t share some joy with others. So, Golden Ocala is donating a portion of the proceeds from the evening to the Don Harrison Foundation — a 501(c)(3) that supports local charities through fundraising and volunteer activities, all in memory of a former, decorated marine who spent his last years living and playing golf at Golden Ocala. If his name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the same Don Harrison we honor every year at a March golf tournament for Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans, Ocala Symphony Orchestra and Ocala Outreach Foundation, among other organizations that Don held near and dear to his heart.

We also encourage our guests to bring gifts and/or personal items to OBHOP for the Arnette House — another nonprofit that hits incredibly close to home. Founded following a teen overdose death in 1979 right here in North Central Florida, the Arnette House provides various forms of therapy to families in Marion, Lake, Sumter, Citrus and Hernando counties. This year, the organization is wishing for wallets and purses, socks, cologne and perfume, pajamas, skateboards, coloring books, playing cards, and gift cards. For a complete gift list, click here.

Golden Ocala looks forward to opening our doors to the public and serving you the very first dose of the holidays. But before we do, please RSVP by Friday, November 30^th, to obtain your $55 ticket and more information — (352) 629-6229.  It’s the most wonderful time of the year — almost!