Despite a few passing showers, golfers teed off for the annual Drive for Mental Health Charity Golf Tournament, presented by Horan Building Company, raising funds to support behavioral health and substance use services in Newport County.
Held at The Aquidneck Club on June 22, the tournament benefited Newport Mental Health’s Annual Fund. Players embraced the course and the weather for a day of competition and camaraderie before gathering for a buffet dinner and awards presentation.
The tournament featured competition across two divisions. Team Riverhead Construction — Mark Nine, David Cole, Andrew Featherstone and Brian Hillenbrand — captured the Silver Cup in the Best Ball division. In the Scramble division, Team BankNewport — Joe Arver, August DiMartino, Dan Fanning and Pat Gormley — claimed top honors.
In his remarks, Mark Horan, founder and president of Horan Building Company, reflected on the importance of Newport Mental Health’s work. “When one of our employees experienced a mental health crisis, I knew exactly where to turn,” Horan said. “A call to Newport Mental Health’s crisis team connected them with immediate support. Because of that intervention, a tragedy was avoided. Today, that person is stable, healthy, and thriving. That’s why this work matters.”
Dayna Gladstein, president and CEO of Newport Mental Health, thanked Horan for his leadership in the sixth year of Horan Building Company as presenting sponsor. “Every year, Mark shows up with his help and his heart,” she said. “What began as a golf tournament has become a powerful demonstration of what can happen when local businesses, families, and community members come together around a shared purpose.” She noted that Horan played alongside his brothers and nephew, calling it “a fitting reflection of what we’re building together.”
Additional contest winners included Peter Metzger for closest to the hole, Rome Kirby for longest drive (men), Kimberly Cunningham for longest drive (women) and Alex Issa for longest putt.
Along with presenting sponsor Horan Building Company, sponsors included Farrar & Associates, Jonathan and Leah Stearns, the Electric Boat Employee Community Service Organization, Donovan & Sons, USI, UBS, National Security Fire Alarm Systems, Newport Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Newport Neuro, Newport Propane, Kirby Perkins Construction, Chris Electric and Colonial Life.
“Newport Mental Health extends its deepest appreciation to all participants, sponsors, and contributors who made this event possible,” said Zachary Gioia, director of mission advancement. “Together, we’re making a lasting difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors in Newport County.”
Newport Mental Health is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic that provides mental health and substance use treatment to those who live, work and study in Newport County, regardless of their ability to pay. Immediate access to care is available by calling 401-846-1213, and donations are accepted at newportmentalhealth.org.
