To say that the Albert “Cookie” Memorial Golf Tournament is a tradition unlike any other would be an understatement.

In short, it’s a nine-hole golf tournament named in honor of Albert “Cookie” DeLory, a beloved member of the sponsoring Tri-City Elks Lodge to memorialize and keep alive a legacy of a man who loved helping people from all walks of life before his saddening passing of colorectal cancer on May 26, 2019.

“Cookie was an Elk for all seasons and reasons,” countless people will tell you and as a note in the 8-page printed color program so well read: “He will always be remembered, never forgotten.”

Which was evident last Friday when 76 golfers teed off at Harbor Lights Golf Course in Warwick Neck then went to the Tri-City Elks for a steak fry that included 115 raffle prizes that ranged from a set of golf clubs to a tool set, countless gift certificates to restaurants and two children’s wagons – that were donated by the late DeLory’s friends Noel and Deb Petisce and filled with bottles of liquor and wine donated by many members of the Elks.

The menu consisted of grilled steaks by DJ/Chef Rob Caramante, tossed salad, baked potatoes, green beans and delicious desserts and classic cupcakes made and donated by committee member/Elk Kathy Cesaro.

Moreover, the tournament – was presented and organized by a 21-member committee and supported by four corporate sponsors, six gold and 28 silver sponsorships and 70-plus tee signs.

Even when players arrived at the well-maintained nine-hole seaside layout they were greeted by special signage - one from Shawna Scotti’s HappySignsRI that read “Welcome to Cookie 3” along with a classy sponsor’s board produced by Meaghan Foster of famed Bori Graphics of Cranston.

There were also colorful banners for Operation Stand Down RI and RI Community Food Bank that will benefit from this year’s tourney.

As equally impressive the tournament will again support the Albert “Cookie” Memorial Scholarship Fund that last year featured a $1,500 grant in his name to a young man and women who will attend a trade or business school.

“We would like to thank everyone for their participation, donations and endless acts of generosity to the tournament,” said late DeLory’s son Co-Chairman Richard DeLory. “To honor Cookie’s memory and legacy, we strive to continue what he enjoyed doing most – helping people and the local community whenever and wherever he could.”

Golf wise, the foursome of Buddy Lamphere, Tom Forte, Bill Cille and Bob Campbell took top honors in the overall/Men’s Division while the Women’s Division titlist were Ellen O’Rourke, Tarra Lamy, Barbara Santilli and Christine Drager.

Even Tri-City Exalter Ruler Jim Fletcher enjoyed winning a division crown with his foursome of Cheryl Rebello, Jen McCoroy and Bruce Martell taking the Mixed Division.

One of the day’s highlights came when Richard DeLory emceed the raffle, which included his quick wit and personality, and called the winning numbers of all 115 raffle prizes. Almost instantly, committee members scooted to tables with the gifts and the entire process was over in 40 minutes.

“What a great event!” offered Jim Boxser, a Warwick resident who was a special guest at the dinner. “This entire evening was nothing short of amazing; it was first class personified as well as impressive to see first-hand the love and respect everyone had for Cookie DeLory.”

To which Brian Sullivan of Operation Stand Down RI emphasized: “No wonder there were cheers when someone said at conclusion of the speaking program: “we will see everyone back here at Cookie 4 in 2024!”