Brightside Golf Invitational Raises $20,000

Springfield, MA. – After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the annual Brightside Golf Invitational returned to the Ranch Golf Club in Southwick on August 31, raising $20,000 to help continue the important work of Brightside for Families and Children as a non-profit child welfare and family support organization for at-risk children, adolescents, and their families.

The shot-gun invitational opened with a ceremonial tee-shot by Sister Mary Caritas, S.P., former President of Mercy Medical Center who championed the creation of numerous hospital-based programs and services and has been an outspoken advocate for Brightside over the years. "Brightside was founded as an orphanage in 1881 to serve the community's most vulnerable children and adolescents. Since those early days, community needs have changed significantly and Brightside has adapted its programs to continue to provide vital outpatient services to children and families," said Sister Caritas.

Sponsored by Westfield Bank and Chicopee Savings Charitable Foundation, the tournament was organized in honor of William Wagner, President of the former Chicopee Savings Bank and respected community service leader who passed away last year. Wagner was also a longtime supporter of the annual Brightside Golf Classic, having served as co-chair of the tournament for several years.

Following the tournament, golfers enjoyed a cook-out lunch where the Wagner Cup was presented to two foursomes – John Kendzierski, Dale Croteau, Frank Capuano, and Steve Mihalek for the low gross team score and Al Miles, John Bonini, Brent Bean, and Jim Hagan for the low net team score. Also, Sister Caritas was feted for her 99^th birthday with a cake, flowers, and well wishes.

The funds raised through this year's tournament will support Brightside’s efforts to assist children, adolescents, and families in need through family outreach and stabilization, psychiatric and medication evaluation and management, special education, and therapeutic mentoring.