Community Events
Talk/Read/Succeed golf tournament a success, surpassing expectations
The first annual Talk/Read/Succeed golf tournament was hailed by all as a great success story, leaving organizers and participants geared up for another round.
The Sept. 23 tournament at Oak Ridge Golf Course in Feeding Hills drew out 62 golfers in 16 teams, raising $6,040.49 for the comprehensive family program aimed at raising reading skills among young children.
The tournament, long in the planning, landed on a sunny, windy day. After golfing, players enjoyed dinner, prizes and a raffle.
Committee members said they are pleased with the event, and look forward to a repeat next year.
“I’m quite pleased with the results, as I’m sure you will be,” said Isabel Serrazina, SHA purchasing agent who was key to the planning process. “I almost can’t even believe it!”
Human Services Manager Kathy Hardy agreed, saying the event was not only far better than projections, but a fun day.
“I think everyone had a great time,” said Hardy, who not only volunteered to make the day a success, but played golf with her husband John.
The committee included Serrazina, Hardy, William Bickley, Sean Cahillane, Nicole Contois, Joe D’Ascoli, Hellen Exposito, Mary Ellen Lowney, and Dave Thompson.
At the golf dinner, SHA Executive Director William H. Abrashkin thanked all for taking the time to help T/R/S! a family-based program involving more than two dozen city agencies whose goal is to boost reading levels among children at Robinson Gardens and Sullivan Apartments.
“Not only did it bring in significant funds for TRS, but it also helped to publicize and build community support for the program, and to set the stage for a repeat next year. Not to mention that it was just plain fun to get out with everyone on such a beautiful day,” Abrashkin said.
The event featured one T/R/S! parent, Carla Santiago, who spoke of the benefits she, her husband and their three daughters have seen from the program. The Santiagos live at Robinson Gardens Apartments, and the girls attend Dorman Elementary School, which is a T/R/S! partner.
“T/R/S! has made a big difference in our lives,” Santiago said at the dinner. “I know it’s helped my daughters, especially – they love school and they love to read.”
All planners and participants agreed that the tournament will be repeated next year.