Reliant Foundation Raises More Than $163,000 to Support Public Health Programs at 23rd Annual “Drive for a Difference” Golf Classic & Online Auction
Proceeds to Fund Children’s Mental Health and Behavioral Health Programs, Recovery from Substance Use Disorder, and COVID-19 Recovery Efforts Across Central and MetroWest Massachusetts
Adding to the more than $6 million raised since its inception, the Reliant Foundation’s 23rd annual Drive for a Difference Golf Classic and Online Auction continued its success by raising more than $163,000 to support programs that battle critical public health issues like the opioid epidemic and children’s mental health. A portion of the funds will also support COVID-19 recovery efforts for area non-profits and the individuals they serve.
This year’s edition was a sold-out single-day event that featured 120 golfers taking to the links at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Mass., followed by a post-golf reception, and an online auction with items such as exclusive travel packages, golf outings, theater and dining experiences, and more.
The celebration also highlighted the Foundation’s annual “Fund-A-Need” initiative, which this year raised funds to support on-going Community Recovery Grants. The Foundation provided approximately $225,000 in COVID-19 emergency grants as well as $500,000 in community grants in 2020. An estimated $750,000 in total will be granted during 2021 to continue to address pressing community health needs.
“Last year was a difficult year for all of us, but it’s clear that everyone involved with Drive for a Difference – sponsors, golfers, and volunteers – understands the importance of our work and remains eager to support their community through the Foundation’s mission,” said Marianne Felice, M.D., the Foundation’s Board Chair.
More than 45 local organizations provided event support, including: The Dubilo Hill Group/Graystone Consulting, Tufts Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Aponi Aesthetics, Fallon Health, Wagner Auto Group, Gforce Graphix, and many others.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated mental health and substance abuse challenges across all of our communities,” said Kelsa Zereski, president of Reliant Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved with this year’s tournament for helping us surpass our goal of raising $160,000 to support critical programs that address mental health and recovery.”
For more information about how to support the Reliant Foundation or how to apply for a grant, visit reliantfoundation.org.
About The Reliant Foundation
Established in 1988 as a public charity, the Reliant Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals of all ages in the Central and MetroWest regions of Massachusetts. As a 501(c)3 charity, the Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations within its service area for the purpose of supporting programs that battle critical public health issues like the opioid epidemic, and children’s mental health, as well as, to support COVID-19 recovery efforts for area non-profit grantees and the thousands of individuals they serve. Our charity partners provide life-saving recovery coaching, tele-mental health and behavioral health, grief counseling, and food. For more information, please visit www.reliantfoundation.org.
