As we reported back in May, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) launched the “Bring Your Vacation to Life” photo and story contest and contestants were asked to share a memory from their timeshare vacations that enhanced their lives. This was in an effort to get people to realize that taking time to unwind, de-stress and connect with family is an important health benefit. The large number of contest entrants substantiates the value of timeshare ownership and how pre-paying for future vacations guarantees that owners get away at least once a year contributing to better health, relationships, and job performance.
The American Express gift cards were awarded to first- and second-place photos and one first-place story. The highest award went to Sally Lessig for her the story “Thru the Years”. Second-place photo prizes were awarded to Alexis MacDonald for “Lexie & Dan Love Myrtle Beach” and to Tracy Dunn for “For My Next Act”.
See Sally’s story below: “Thru the years…”
“The year was 1982 and my husband Al and I were visiting Myrtle Beach with friends. While the guys went golfing, the girls shopped and went downtown. On every corner there were people handing out brochures inviting us to visit local time share resorts. If you did go you got a “free” gift. Now 27 years later, I can’t even remember what that gift was but, I wanted it. After much discussion my husband said he would go, listen to the sales pitch, get our free gift, and get out of there. We went, toured the property, listened to the presentation and we fell in love with the Beach House Golf and Racket Club. We signed on the dotted line that day. That is where this story begins. We have not missed a visit in 27 years. We bought another unit to accommodate our ever growing family and week #31 has become our yearly vacation together. We don’t do much that week other than golf, beach and enjoy each other’s company. We participate in all the activities that the Beach House provides right there in our back yard. It has been such a joy to watch our children grow up, marry, have their own children and this year our Great-Grandson came for his first visit. That makes four generations sharing fun at the Beach House. Over the years we have invited many of our PA friends to travel with us and several families have purchased units and bring their families. We also have made many friends who we only see once a year on week #31 and they have become our South Carolina extended family and we look forward to reuniting with them for many years to come. Now the year is 2009. Our timeshare purchase of the Beach House Golf and Racket Club in Myrtle Beach was one of the best decisions we ever made. Priceless!”
(Photo taken by Sally Lessig – “Al Relaxing”)