The Meadows Institute’s second annual Golf4Recovery Invitational raised $30,000 to benefit notMYkid, a non-profit organization based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Funds will support notMYkid’s [i]nspired Peer Program that aims to support teens and young adults navigating daily pressures, substance use disorder, and mental health challenges. notMYkid has provided Arizona youth, families, schools, and community partners with high-impact prevention education and early intervention programs for the past 22 years.
“Thank you to our sponsors, golfers, and volunteers; you’ve made it possible to raise funds for an important cause —the well-being and emotional health of Arizona youth and families.”
The Phoenician Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, was the site for the fundraiser held on May 13, 2022, that drew 128 golfers and 20 sponsors, including behavioral healthcare professionals, recovery advocates, and local and national businesses related to behavioral healthcare. Participants enjoyed a fun-filled day of contests, laughter, food, and friendly competition in the Arizona sunshine.
An awards luncheon followed 18 holes of play, with first place recognition and trophy going to the Sabino Recovery team, including Derek Gwaltney, Thomas Isbell, Scott Brunst, and Ryan Young. Second place honors went to the Heritage Health/You Turn team of Hamilton Baiden, Tim Urlocker, Mike Gurr, and Michelle Lacaria. Paramount Recovery’s Jack VanKooten, Meshulem Novoseller, Brad Johnson, and Taylor Wood took third place honors. Prizes were awarded for numerous contests, and raffles gifts ranging from spa treatments to golf foursomes at valley courses were presented.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of this community,” said Meadows Institute Board Member Sean Walsh. “Thank you to our sponsors, golfers, and volunteers; you’ve made it possible to raise funds for an important cause —the well-being and emotional health of Arizona youth and families.”
Kristen Polin, CEO of notMykid, addressed attendees during the awards luncheon saying, “With the arrival of a global pandemic, we had a swift transition to virtual programs and expansion into treatment, peer support, and well-being programs to meet families’ urgent and rapidly changing needs. We are grateful to The Meadows institute for this donation and thank the recovery community for coming out to support both The Meadows Institute and notMYkid.”
The Meadows Institute wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the players and community sponsors: Presenting sponsor Heritage Cares/You Turn Health. Competition sponsors Prescott House and RSM, LLC. Lunch sponsor 3rd Story Architecture. On-par sponsors Banner Health, Immanuel Cares, Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, Lido Wellness, Saguaro Recovery, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Mike Govoni/Healing Beyond Recovery, CBIZ, Inc., and Highwatch Recovery. Swag sponsors Desert Star Recovery, Steffensen Consulting, The Guest House, and Neurologics. Donors CTS Engineering, John Hancock, Polsinelli, LLP, and The Larry Weitzen Family Foundation.
About The Meadows Institute
Formed in 2020 by Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, The Meadows Institute is 501(c)(3) foundation created to support individuals, families, and communities in lifelong recovery. This mission is accomplished through three initiatives: professional education, community mental health awareness, and research. For more information or to donate, visit www.themeadowsinstitute.org.