Community Corner: It’s An Annual Tradition!

Gabriel Homes is more than independence – it’s also about community.

The annual Gabriel Homes Golf Tournament has been a flagship event for almost 30 years, and the momentum hasn’t slowed down. Some golfers have participated since the tourney’s launch! One competitor in particular, Dave Shacochis, has come with his best friends from childhood to every tournament.

Gabriel Homes had the chance to catch up with Dave recently. Here's what he had to say:

How did you learn about Gabriel Homes?

I learned about the golf tournament at some point in the mid-90s through my college chaplain, Fr. Bob Cilinski. Ever since Father Bob introduced me to Gabriel Homes, my best friends have come in from out of state to play in the tournament every year. There’s a lot of fellowship between us because Gabriel Homes is such a great cause that my friends and I are warm to.

For those who may not know about the tournament, run them through the day. What happens each year?

It’s a first-class event, and it’s a full day. You’ve got breakfast and plenty of time to warm up in the morning. There are shotgun starts (meaning all groups of players tee off simultaneously at different holes) and everybody goes off. You’re well hydrated and you have plenty of refreshments all over the place. There’s a nice lunch at the turn and a beautiful dinner after the tournament. At dinner, there are awards ceremonies and generous door prizes and raffles.

The tournament is just a great time. It fills your day and is a wonderful day to spend your Monday. You can’t beat a day on the golf course.

What makes it fun going to each tournament?

It’s the perfect time of year. Summer turns into fall, so the weather’s really nice. The middle of September is a beautiful time to play golf, and again, Gabriel Homes is such a great cause to support. We feel a sense of pride seeing the residents, organization, and charity grow over 30 years.

Evergreen Country Club is an absolute gem. You’re sitting at the foothills of the mountains in Northern Virginia, you’re playing through some beautiful country, and the course is impeccably maintained. It’s a wonderful course to play.

How do you like seeing the residents every year?

It’s a great community of God’s children. The residents have strong bonds with the community, and Reston supports them and allows them to grow.

Gabriel Homes is one of those organizations that, the minute you realize what it is, you understand its importance. Getting to focus on Gabriel Homes is a real gift.

What are some of your favorite memories from the tournament?

You never remember the bad shots. You only remember the good shots. One of my best friends is someone I’ve known my entire life. He may not compete every year, but every time he does play, he wins closest to the pin. My friend isn’t an avid golfer, but he finds that magic every time he visits.

There are many other great stories, and my friends and I make an entire weekend centered around the tournament. The memories are too many to count.

What would you say to someone who’s never golfed for Gabriel Homes?

The tournament is a great day to come out with a group of friends or make new ones. I’ve had a fourth person join our group before, and then you make friends with them over the course of the day. You can golf with a whole range of communities, and the tournament is a beautiful experience. I recommend it to anyone.

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