13th Annual Golf Day Breaks Records for Success
ISLIP TERRACE, NY. JUNE 7, 2012. IN SUPPORT OF CRITICAL RESOURCES FOR LONG ISLAND’S HOMELESS AND MENTALLY ILL, more than 90 golfers teed off today for Mercy Haven’s 13th Annual Golf Outing at Island Hills Golf Club, with an additional 30 dinner guests supporting the cause.
Former New York Mets Shortstop, Long Island Ducks Owner, and Mercy Haven supporter Bud Harrelson lent his name and golfswing to the event, offering a chance to win premier seats to a summer 2012 Ducks game to any participant that beat him in a “closest to the pin” contest.
Skies were sunny and golfers reported the course to be in perfect condition. Approximately 30% of attendees had never golfed with Mercy Haven before, showing the growing base of support for Mercy Haven. In all, the event raised a record amount of funds for Mercy Haven’s work providing short-term and permanent housing and supportive services to Long Islanders living with mental illness, in homelessness, or in poverty.
A highlight of the event was the chance to hear directly from a charter member of the Mercy Haven community. Nineteen-year-old Liz was the first “Mercy Haven baby,” as her mother has lived in Mercy Haven supported housing for 20 years, and Liz herself 11 years.
“Living with Mercy Haven supported housing has meant to my mom and me that a roof is over our heads and that we have a place to call home,” Liz told the group over dinner. “They try to help out as much as they can with our basic home needs. If someone has a leak or even an out-of-reach light bulb to be changed, Mercy Haven Maintenance will be there as soon as they possibly can.”
Liz recalled the book club, the computer club, holiday parties, and many other activities that helped her “feel involved in the community and one another’s lives.” She ended by looking forward: “The work that Mercy Haven does on a daily basis, among any other reasons, has inspired me to become a social worker. This fall, I’m going to continue my education at Suffolk County Community College. My future is bright.”
This year’s golf outing was sponsored by Empire National Bank, which has sponsored Mercy Haven’s golf outing since 2008. Generous donors offered prizes including a Carnival Cruise; $15,000; a 42″ Plasma TV, numerous door and raffle prizes; and a silent auction.
Skill was rewarded as well as luck. Paul Conefry, Golf Outing Chairperson, awarded prizes for Men’s, Women’s & mixed low-net foursomes, men’s & women’s longest drive, and men’s & women’s closest-to-the pin.
