Mercy Haven’s 14th Annual Golf Outing
Golfers Gather on the Green to Help Raise Funds & Awareness
Sayville, NY, June 2013 – On June 6th 2013, Mercy Haven, Inc., of Islip Terrace, NY hosted their 14th Annual Golf Outing at the Island Hills Golf Club of Sayville, raising needed funds to further the mission of the agency which provides housing and support services to Long Island’s most at-risk residents.
It was a beautiful day for golfing as friends, both old and new, gathered for Mercy Haven’s Annual Golf Outing. The all-day event hosted 86 golfers and 40 more dinner guests and raised tens of thousands of dollars which will benefit the supportive programs for Mercy Haven’s residents; those who are homeless or living with mental illness.
Golfers had their pick of contests while out on the links, from Hole-In-One shots for a 2013 Ford Mustang or a trip to Pebble Beach, to a hit-the-green contest offering up a chance to win a suite at a Long Island Ducks game. The tournament, which also featured contests for the longest drive and low net foursome, was proudly sponsored by Empire National Bank, longtime supporters of Mercy Haven.
The day of golf was followed by a delicious buffet dinner. Sister Pat Griffith, Executive Director of Mercy Haven, had a warm greeting for all as she introduced the evening’s speakers, Eric, MaryAnn and Madeline, residents of Mercy Haven. Eric began by sharing his gratitude “for everything Mercy Haven has done for us. My years with Mercy Haven have been the happiest ones in my entire life”. He and his “sweetheart” of several years, MaryAnn, are active participants in Mercy Haven’s R.E.A.P. program, which provides education and work opportunities for residents. They both faithfully participate in mailings that Mercy Haven produces several times a year. Madeline followed with an emotional tribute to the staff stating, “I am so grateful. I never would have known how to help myself if it weren’t for Mercy Haven.” She has been a resident for 2 years and has benefitted greatly from the efforts of our Mercy (legal) Advocacy Program, regaining lost monies due to her. She recently suffered the loss of her roommate and friend, and expressed her thanks to the staff. “I will never forget the love and support from Mercy Haven. They are all truly angels!”
Sister Pat greeted the guests with a parable of a village near a river whose members gathered to help children who were being sent to them from upstream, unaware of the source or reason for this to be happening. “This parable illustrates the work of Mercy Haven – service and systemic change,” stated Sister Pat. “It also represents the dilemma of choice for you, our supporters. Choosing a group to stand with and behind isn’t easy.” She thanked those in attendance for choosing Mercy Haven. “Because of you we can reaffirm our commitment not only to be of service but, along with our residents, to go upstream to see what’s happening and to create long term solutions…to insist on the change that is necessary for a good life for each of us.”
The evening continued with guests taking chances on raffle baskets, which included many generous donations from the community, a 50/50, and a silent auction which included sports memorabilia, LI Ducks tickets, a Kindle Fire and a weekend getaway on the East End. Mercy Haven’s Board President, Dottie Overton, Vice President at Empire National Bank, remarked that “the support of the business community makes our outing a tremendous success. From our corporate sponsors to the small businesses that donate raffle prizes – all play an important role in our event.” Paul Conefry, Board Member and Golf Committee Chairman, thanked the committee for their tireless efforts and presented the trophies to the deserving golfers. A wonderful day was had by all and warm wishes were exchanged for a successful and productive year; looking FOREward to next year, Mercy Haven’s 15th Golf Outing!
