By Lenny Strauss|
Hometown Weekly Staff
On July 15th, the Baker Center for Children and Families, a nationally recognized provider of children’s mental health and special education services across Massachusetts hosted its 20th Annual Golf Tournament at the Walpole Country Club. While the event had its fair share of friendly competition, its fundraising effort was the real winner. This year’s tournament raised more than $140,000, the highest total in its history, and has raised more than $1.5 million over the past 20 years. Proceeds from the event help support mental health and special ed programs like Camp Baker, the Center for Effective Therapy (CET), and Next Step: College Success & Independent Living, which directly support the hundreds of children and teens throughout Greater Boston and beyond.
We checked in with Stephanie Massey, a Walpole resident who recently served on the Host Committee for the Baker Center Golf Tournament about both her experiences in the event, and the organizations goals going forward!
LS: How long have you been involved with the Baker Center? What inspired you to personally be a part of this organization?
SM: I’ve been involved with The Baker Center for about 7 years. The Baker Center is a long-standing client of my law firm, and I was introduced to them through my colleague, initially to assist with planning the annual fundraiser golf tournament. I was very impressed by the history and critical nature of the work that The Baker Center does, so it was an easy decision to get involved in advancing that important mission. As a parent, I fully understand and appreciate how vital The Baker Center’s programs and resources are to families in New England.
LS: Looking back at the $140,000+ raised this year, what specific committee strategies or initiatives do you feel contributed the most to reaching that number? From your vantage point on the committee, how has the event evolved to sustain the over 1.5 million raised in its history?
SM: This was the 20th anniversary of the golf tournament, so we promoted that milestone and its significance for the many years that the tournament has been able to boost funding for The Baker Center’s programs. Many of our corporate and individual donors have been loyal contributors for consecutive years, with some dating back 20 years and increasing their generous annual donations over time. Committee members work year-round to welcome new donors to the fundraiser, giving more people the chance to change the lives of children and families in our community.
LS: What was the biggest logistical challenge facing the Committee when it came to organizing and coordinating a tournament of this scale?
SM: This committee runs like a well-oiled machine with a lot of help from The Baker Center’s exceptional leadership and staff. We are very lucky that there are really no significant challenges in coordinating the event, other than being unable to predict the weather on tournament day. As the long-time tournament host, Walpole Country Club staff have also been amazing to work with and incredibly helpful.
LS: Now that you’ve completed the landmark 20th anniversary fundraiser, what are the primary fundraising/operational goals you hope the committee focuses on for the 21st annual tournament?
SM: Our goal is to raise more money and awareness every year because the mental health needs of children and supporting their families will never subside. We are fortunate to achieve this goal year after year thanks to the generosity of both new donors and our dedicated long-term supporters, whose continued contributions help make a lasting impact on children and families.
LS: Are there any Walpole specific community or organizational partnerships you feel should be involved in fundraising efforts for this event?
SM: Yes, we welcome new donors from Walpole with open arms! As a 26-year-old resident of Walpole and a golfer, I’m proud that Walpole Country Club has been so supportive. I would love to see local banks and other financial institutions, companies, supermarkets and restaurants consider donating to the tournament next year. Donations can include purchasing a foursome, sponsorship with signage (such as hole sponsors), and in-kind contributions. We also have a raffle at the tournament every year, so there is also the opportunity to donate raffle prizes such as professional sports tickets, hotel weekend stays and gift certificates.
LS: What advice would you give other local residents looking to get more involved in youth mental health support organizations like the Baker Center?
SM: These organizations are so critically important to our communities, so my advice is to find any way to get involved, even if small, by reaching out to anyone in the organization and asking how you can help. It’s a great way for school organizations and clubs to do community service, too. I promise that volunteering for a youth mental health support organization will be one of the most rewarding things you ever do!
Readers! Feel free to get involved with the Baker Center by attending upcoming events, volunteering or donating directly to the organization through their website: bakercenter.org
