Earlier this year, we proudly announced our 2025 OCF Corporate Partners—an inspiring group of local businesses committed to supporting our mission throughout the year. These partners have chosen to invest in the community by aligning their philanthropic goals with the work of the OCF. Their trust and collaboration empower us to make a greater impact. Together, we are stronger.
Among this dedicated group is Treetops Resort, a cornerstone of our Corporate Partner program since its redesign in 2024. When we transitioned from event-based sponsorships to a year-round partnership model, Treetops was one of the first to step forward. Known for its breathtaking golf courses and ski slopes, Treetops is more than a destination, it’s a place where memories are made and community connections are deepened. Their commitment to making a difference extends far beyond hospitality, and we’re proud to highlight how they’re helping shape a brighter future for Otsego County.
Treetops was founded in 1954 by the Meade Family as a small ski area. In the 1980’s, it was purchased by Harry Melling from Jackson MI, who transformed it into the top tier resort that it is today. Mr. Melling invested vast resources in the property, adding five golf courses, two of which consistently make the Top 200 list in Golf Digest. Their beloved Par 3 course, 3 Tops, also makes the best of lists for North America. Besides making a tremendous economic impact on Otsego County, Treetops established its long history of philanthropy and giving back during Mr. Melling’s ownership. In 1998, the Treetops Fall Charity Invitational brought to you by Pepsi was established. That fall tradition continues to this day, introducing over $1 million back into the community.
The ownership of Treetops changed again in 2002, three years after Harry Melling’s death, to a group of individuals who continue to support the community and the philanthropy of Treetops.
According to Treetops General Manager, Barry Owens, their relationship with the OCF started shortly after he joined Treetops in 2010. The organization established the Treetops Charity Fund, a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), in 2012 and began awarding grants in 2013. Former Treetops employee Kevin McKinley was instrumental in establishing their relationship with the OCF and was involved in the creation of the Treetops Charity Fund. Through this DAF, Treetops has always been supportive of local youth programs and school initiatives, which is reflected in their grant awards since 2013. From 2013-2020, they awarded $19,000 in grants to local nonprofit partners.
Treetops also has a scholarship fund with the OCF. The Treetops Scholarship Fund was established in 2018. In 2020, Treetops shifted its focus from awarding grants to nonprofit partners to awarding scholarships. Since 2018, they have awarded over $131,000 to local scholars pursuing their higher education goals.
At first, their strategy for awarding scholarships was to “sprinkle the infield” as Barry put it. They awarded twenty $1,000 scholarships. Although helpful, Barry states that they wanted to make a larger impact on each of their scholarship recipients. Since that time, they have shifted their scholarship focus to awarding larger scholarships to the same individual to be distributed over a several year period. Treetops’ staff members who want to return to school and pursue their higher education dreams are the recipients of many of the scholarships and have become a priority.
According to Barry, partnering with the OCF makes fulfilling the philanthropic vision of their organization much easier and more impactful. The OCF is responsible for all the administrative details from the application process through follow-up with the scholarship recipients. Also, having funds at the OCF allowed Treetops to establish a permanent resource that grows over time. When they established the scholarship fund, they chose to make it an endowed fund, so that it will support Otsego County scholars in perpetuity. This would not be possible without a partnership with the OCF. Barry has big dreams and lofty goals for the Treetops scholarship fund in the future, and the OCF is helping establish the balance between awarding scholarships in the present while growing the fund for the future.
Barry “can’t say enough” about working with the OCF team, including Executive Director Dana Bensinger and Director of Donor Services Amanda Sosa. He states that Dana and Amanda were patient with him as he worked through what he wanted to accomplish through this fund and is excited now because they seem to have found a cadence, making the process smooth and seamless. When asked why the OCF, Barry said that when it comes to helping the residents of Otsego County, “the fire department, the police, the rescue team, and the OCF show up. ”It is our mission at the OCF to activate generosity for a stronger community. It is through our partnerships with community-minded businesses like Treetops Resort and our other Corporate Partners that allow us to fulfill our mission. As we celebrate the impact of our 2025 Corporate Partners, we’re also looking ahead. The 2026 Corporate Partner program will be accepting new members later this month, stay tuned for details!
If your business shares our commitment to community and wants to be part of something meaningful, contact Amanda Sosa to discuss partnership options.
Amanda Sosa – 989-731-0597 – amanda@otsegofoundation.org