Dana GladsteinNewport Mental Health President and CEO presents Chad with Mental Health Advancement Award KritsasJoseph LocasioAndrew Tuhiler (Adam is not there) MouseHe was the player who recorded the lowest score of 56 in the Best Ball tournament.
Perfect weather at the Aquidneck Club provided an inspiring display of competition and friendship during the “Drive for Mental Health” charity golf tournament. The annual event in support of Newport Mental Health raised more than $112,000 to support vital programs and services for individuals facing behavioral health and substance use issues.
Participants enjoyed an exhilarating day on the course, with last year’s champions Andrew Takler, Chad Kritsas, Joseph LoCascio and new team member Adam Maust defending their titles with an impressive score of 56. The team of Horan Building Company, Fishers Island Lemonade and M. Barboza & Sons Roofing tied for second place, just four strokes back.
Beyond the exciting golf performances, attendees participated in a lively auction, prize raffle and an inspiring program of speakers. Dana Gladstein, president and CEO of Newport Mental Health, delivered a heartfelt speech, highlighting the important impact of community support. “This event proves that when a community comes together, they can truly make a difference,” she said. “Thanks to your generous support, Newport Mental Health continues to be a leading resource for those struggling with mental illness and substance use in Newport County. Our organization is known throughout the state and nation for providing excellent care, and thanks to supporters like you, we have no plans to slow down!”
Mark Horan, President and Founder of Horan Building Company, thanked everyone in attendance and reiterated his commitment to supporting Newport Mental Health. Additionally, Eve Condon and Lynell Masterson from the Rhode Island Outreach (RIO) program presented an insightful overview of their Behavioral Health Crisis Team and shared compelling stories of how RIO is making a huge impact on community members in crisis, leading them to recovery and helping them understand that help is available.
The auction included Red Sox box seats, a foursome at the Aquidneck Club and a vacation rental at Loon Mountain, which sparked an intense bidding war. The night concluded with a final awards ceremony where the winning teams received silver cups. On-course competition winners included Brendan Moran for closest to the pin, Jeff Melillo for longest male drive and Emma Avenante for longest female drive. Unfortunately, no one won a new Jeep Wrangler provided by Newport Jeep for a hole-in-one on the 17th hole.
The event’s main sponsor was Horan Building Company, along with other generous sponsors including Donovan Plumbing and Heating (Golf Cart Sponsor), Fishers Island Lemonade (Beverage Sponsor), National Security (Lunch Sponsor), Farrar & Associates (Dinner Sponsor), Newport Jeep (Hole-in-One Sponsor), Wilmington Trust (Snack Shack Sponsor), Centreville Bank (Longest Drive Sponsor), Kirby Perkins Construction (Closest to the Pin Sponsor) and Neighborhood Health Plan (50/50 Raffle Sponsor).
Pin flag sponsors are Integrated Healthcare Partners, Newport Hospital, Corrigan Financial, BankNewport and Sachuest Ventures. Tee sign sponsors are The Beacon Foundation, David and Jean Kelly, Bruno Painting, Fitzpatrick Team/ReMax, Lila Delman|Compass, A1 Roofing and Construction, Monument Financial Group and M. Barboza & Sons Roofing.
Newport Mental Health is extremely grateful to all the participants, sponsors and contributors who made this event possible – together we are driving change and making a lasting difference in the lives of those who live, work and learn in Newport County.
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