Reliant Foundation Raises Over $145,000 to Support Public Health Programs at 21st Annual “Drive for a Difference” Charity Golf Classic
Proceeds to Fund Substance Abuse and Children’s Mental Health Programs Across Central and Metro West Massachusetts
With approximately $6.5 million raised since its inception, the Reliant Foundation’s 21st annual Drive for a Difference charity golf classic continued its fundraising success by securing more than $145,000 to support its efforts to fund critical, non-profit public health programs throughout Central and Metro West Massachusetts.
This year’s event saw a transition from a two-day event – featuring a charity auction/gala and golf tournament – to a single-day event centered on the tournament and post-golf reception, with approximately 100 golfers once again taking to the links at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Mass.
Following the round, a raffle and silent auction featuring items such as an exclusive trip to Costa Rica, Patriots and Red Sox game packages, golf outings, theater and hotel packages, and more created excitement among attendees. The celebration also highlighted the Foundation’s annual “Fund-A-Need” initiative, which this year raised more than $27,000 for the Child Trauma Training Center and CPP/FaCES Program. These programs work with children who have experienced ‘adverse childhood experiences’ (e.g., abuse, opioid-addicted parents, divorce, poverty, etc.) to improve their chances of long-term success in school, in their careers, in their families, and in their lives.
“We made the decision to condense Drive for a Difference this year and reset our fundraising goals to align with a one-day event,” said Thomas Sullivan, the Foundation’s Board Chair. “Thanks to the hard work of our Foundation staff, volunteers, and the unwavering support of our sponsors, we once again hit our overall fundraising and Fund-A-Need goals.”
More than 47 local organizations provided event support, including: Tufts Health Plan, Rockland Trust, Cutler Associates, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Consigli Construction Company, Wagner Auto Group, Aponi Aesthetics, and many others.
“The opioid epidemic – and substance abuse in general – is negatively impacting so many families throughout our communities,” relates Kelsa Zereski, president of the Reliant Foundation. “The support we received through Drive for a Difference allows us to make a significant contribution, on behalf of our sponsors, to combat this critical public health issue.”
Proceeds from Drive for a Difference also allow Reliant Foundation to support programs that address critical public health issues like children’s mental health/behavioral health and substance use disorders.
For more information about this event, click here.
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 (formerly operated as the Reliant Medical Group Foundation) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals of all ages in the Central and Metro West 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, childrens mental health and behavioral health. For more information, please visit www.reliantfoundation.org.
