Proceeds to Fund Mental and Behavioral Health, As Well As Substance Use Disorder Recovery Programs Across Central and MetroWest Massachusetts
Despite being postponed by more than a month, and the festivities being pared back because of COVID-19, Reliant Foundation’s 22nd Annual Drive for a Difference Golf Classic and Online Auction brought in $89,057 to support non-profits across Central and MetroWest Massachusetts. This year’s funds will be added to the more than $6 million the tournament has raised since its inception.
“Because of COVID restrictions we could not hold our traditional post-golf celebration, but that didn’t stop more than 70 golfers from enjoying a day on the course at Pleasant Valley Country Club,” said Kelsa Zereski, Reliant Foundation’s President. “We heard from many of this year’s participants that the round felt like those of years past, particularly with the course in such beautiful shape. We’re incredibly thankful for all of the support we received from our golfers and sponsors to make this year’s event a success.”
In place of the traditional in-person auction, hundreds of Foundation supporters had the opportunity to buy raffle tickets and bid on a number of auction items including restaurant outings, tickets to future sporting events, Broadway theatre and travel packages – through a secure online auction platform. Polar Beverages, Krush It Marketing and Imperial Distributors teamed up to create the top raffle prize, a cooler filled with beverages, merchandise and tickets to the New England Aquarium and Simons IMAX Theatre. Proceeds from the event will support children’s mental and behavioral health services, as well as recovery programs for individuals with substance use disorder, all of which have been challenged financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Thanks to the continuous support we’ve received, and because many of our grantees have required additional financial assistance due to COVID, the Foundation plans to provide close to $700,000 in grants in 2020,” added Zereski.
More than 30 local organizations offered support for this year’s Drive for a Difference, including: Harvard Pilgrim, The Dubilo Hill Group of Graystone Consulting, and many others.
For more information about how to support the Reliant Foundation or how to apply for a grant, visit reliantfoundation.org.
Drive For a Difference Highlights
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, children’s mental health and behavioral health. For more information, please visit www.reliantfoundation.org.
