Proceeds from the Event Support Essential Public Health Programs
Across Central and MetroWest Massachusetts
Under near perfect weather conditions, 116 golfers took to the course at Pleasant Valley Country Club on May 18 for Reliant Foundation’s 28th annual Drive for a Difference Golf Classic and Auction. The Foundation’s signature event once again raised more than $200,000 in support of its Community Grants program, which funds essential public health programs across Central and MetroWest Massachusetts.
“This year’s Drive for a Difference yet again demonstrated the incredible generosity and commitment of our entire community,” said Kelsa Zereski, Reliant Foundation President. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, auction participants, and Board of Trustees for helping make this event such a success. Their support allows us to continue making a true impact for essential mental health and behavioral health programs across Central and MetroWest Massachusetts.”
Following the round, more than 180 guests enjoyed a social reception, dinner, auction, and awards program. The online auction featured a wide range of items, including travel packages, exclusive experiences, dining opportunities, and more—allowing supporters from across the region to participate.
Proceeds from Drive for a Difference will allow Reliant Foundation to support expanding access to mental and behavioral health services for children, youth, and young adults; support life-saving recovery resources; strengthen education, awareness, and workforce development across these facets of community health; and reduce the stigma associated with mental and behavioral health and substance use.
More than 30 local organizations and individuals provided sponsorship of the event, including lead sponsors: North Bridge Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley (Gold Sponsor); Robert and Jane Klugman (Dinner Sponsor), Bay State Bank, Mass General Brigham Health Plan (Golf Cart Sponsor), Gene and Julianne DeFeudis (Lunch Sponsor), Marianne Felice, MD, The Hanover Insurance Group (Snack Cart Sponsor), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Concierge Physical Therapy, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation, F.W. Madigan Company, Imperial Distributors, UMass Memorial Health, Worcester State University (Deluxe Foursome Sponsors); Coghlin Companies, Cornerstone Bank, St. Vincent Hospital, Seven Hills Foundation, TaraVista Behavioral Health Center (Scoreboard Sponsors), J. Michael Grenon, Grimes & Co., Kelleher & Sadowski (Raffle Sponsor), among others.
Next year’s Drive for a Difference is scheduled for May 24 at Pleasant Valley Country Club. Additional information about the event and lending support to Reliant Foundation can be found at ReliantFoundation.org.
About The Reliant Foundation
Established in 1988, Reliant Foundation is an independent public charity whose mission is to advance community health priorities in the Central and MetroWest regions of Massachusetts through strategic philanthropy and collaboration. 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 community health issues like substance use disorder, and children’s mental health. Our charity partners work with thousands of individuals in our community to provide life-saving recovery coaching, mental health and behavioral health services, and impactful education and initiatives to reduce the stigma around these issues. For more information, please visit www.reliantfoundation.org.
