Annual Brightside Golf Classic Raises $150,000

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The 28th annual Brightside Golf Classic raised more than $150,000 to benefit the programs and services at Brightside for Families and Children in West Springfield.

A total of 324 golfers participated in the golf tournament held this summer at three locations: Crestview Country Club in Agawam, Springfield Country Club in West Springfield, and Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. James Hagan, president of Westfield Bank, and Glenn Welch, executive vice president of Hampden Bank, served as co-chairmen of the event.

“The tremendous support we have received from sponsors and participants in the Brightside Golf Classic over the past 28 years is indicative of the importance and necessity of the services and programs provided by Brightside for Families and Children,” said Vincent McCorkle, president and CEO of the Sisters of Providence Health System. “Despite the financial challenges many local businesses are now facing, we are grateful for their efforts in helping to make this year’s tournament such an overwhelming success.”

A member of SPHS, Brightside for Families and Children is a mental-health, child-welfare, education, and family-support organization. Funds raised through the Brightside Golf Classic will support services such as residential treatment and special education for children and adolescents, and counseling and support services in Brightside’s family-support programs.

“Brightside for Families and Children offers programs and services that provide the community’s most vulnerable children with the emotional support, educational opportunities, and social skills they need to help them reach their fullest potential,” said Brenda McCormick, vice president of Fund Development for SPHS. “Funds raised through the Brightside Golf Classic allow us to further our mission of assisting children who have faced unimaginable abuse and neglect.”