A charity golf tournament supporting Newport Mental Health exceeded expectations this week, raising more than $150,000 through the generous participation of 124 golfers and 15 major sponsors.
The “Drive for Mental Health” Charity Golf Tournament, presented by Horan Building Company, took place at The Aquidneck Club on Tuesday and featured competitive play across two divisions while raising crucial funds for the organization’s Annual Fund.
The event showcased tight competition in both divisions. In the Best Ball format, newcomers Joseph Cesaro, Ryan Brannigan, Austin Donaldson, and Micah Howdy fired an impressive 55 (16 under par) to claim victory on a tiebreaker over defending champions Andrew Tuchler, Chad Kritzas, Travis Hampton, and Jason Post.
The newly introduced Scramble division saw the Fisher’s Island Lemonade team of Bronya Shillo, Mitchell Belanger, Russell Belanger, and Maxx Delaney edge out the presenting sponsor’s team by a single stroke, finishing at 63 (8 under par). The Horan Building Company team consisted of brothers Mark, Chris, Steve, and Shawn Horan.
Mark Horan, who serves on Newport Mental Health’s board and is founder and president of Horan Building Company, has led sponsorship efforts for the past five years. He emphasized the personal connection many have to mental health challenges.
“I’ve seen the need in the community,” Horan said. “Mental health touches everybody. We all know someone who’s going through it. It’s often a quiet thing, and it’s bigger than we know. Our hope is to raise awareness so more people know support is available.”
During the awards ceremony inside The Aquidneck Club’s waterfront clubhouse, Newport Mental Health President & CEO Dayna Gladstein shared how the organization recently supported first responders and Portsmouth schools following a tragic event involving young people.
Credit: DAVID HANSEN
“It’s through philanthropic support that we are able to do amazing things like respond to a crisis without worrying about charging a fee,” Gladstein told attendees. “It’s generous people, like all of you in this room, who make that happen.”
The evening featured prize drawings and a live auction with items including Red Sox box seats, golf foursomes at The Aquidneck Club and Pocasset Golf Club, and a vacation rental in a historic Newport home.
Beyond presenting sponsor Horan Building Company, the tournament received support from numerous local businesses including Farrar & Associates, Inc., Donovan & Sons, Inc., Fishers Island Lemonade, UBS, Jonathan & Leah Stearns, RE/MAX Results Fitzpatrick Team, National Security Fire Alarm Systems, Newport Jeep, Wilmington Trust, Newport Propane, Kirby Perkins Construction, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, Chris Electric, and Colonial Life.
“Together, we are driving change and making a lasting difference in the lives of those who live, work, and study in Newport County,” said Susan Piacenti, Vice President of Philanthropy for Newport Mental Health.
Newport Mental Health is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic providing mental health and substance use treatment to Newport County residents regardless of ability to pay. The organization offers programs for children and adults, with immediate access to care available by calling 401-846-1213. More information and donations are available at newportmentalhealth.org.
Credit: DAVID HANSEN