Another Successful Run for the Annual Brightside Golf Invitational
August 11, 2025Categories: Events
Despite extreme heat and humidity, 60 golfers teed off for the annual Brightside Golf Invitational at the Ranch Golf Club in Southwick. The outing raised $70,000 to support Brightside’s new Youth Mentorship Program. Westfield Bank and the Chicopee Savings Charitable Foundation were title sponsors of the event.
Golfers pose for a group photo before the start of the annual Brightside Invitational.
In addition to assisting Brightside for Families and Children, golfers competed for the Wagner Cup, named in honor of William Wagner. He was President of the former Chicopee Savings Bank and a respected community service leader who passed away in 2021. 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 Invitational, golfers enjoyed a cook-out style lunch where Sister Mary Caritas, S.P., former President of Mercy Medical Center and a longtime advocate for Brightside, represented the Sisters of Providence congregation. Sister Caritas provided information about the history of Brightside over the years and then offered a blessing for those gathered. Dave Johnson, Invitational Co-Chair, handed out the golf awards, including a special hole-in-one prize to Mike Oleksak, Senior Vice President at bankESP.
Additionally, Ayden and his Brightside mentor Zach reminded everyone of how important this golf outing is to those served by Brightside. The two have been working together for six years, and the mentorship program will allow them to connect to the community in ways they have not been able to before. They are both looking forward to sharing these new experiences.
