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Long Island Reach Raises Nearly $14,000 In Support Of Mental Health Awareness Month

Second Annual 9 and Dine Golf and Dinner event benefits Long Beach-based non-profit

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month back in May, it was fitting for Long Island Reach to host their second annual 9 and Dine Golf and Dinner Event on May 24. The multi-service agency that provides a broad range of mental health counseling, rehabilitative and treatment services for youth and their families, based in Long Beach, held the event to benefit their programs and mission.

Mental Health Awareness Month began in 1949, when the National Mental Health Association declared May as the month to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives. The goal, which Long Island Reach stands by, is to recognize mental health and educate communities on the understanding of mental health needs. The 9 and Dine Golf and Dinner Event did just that and was a spirited way for people to come together to support those that are affected by mental illness.

The 9 and Dine Golf and Dinner was purposefully designed for golfers and non-golfers. The sold out 9-hole golf outing was held at Lido Golf Course and was followed by a social gathering at JJ Coopers Restaurant in Long Beach. All event proceeds went to benefit Long Island Reach’s support services, mental health counseling, and therapy programs for people in crisis.

With mental health care being at an all-time high, the 9 and Dine Golf and Dinner Event was a unique way to recognize how important it is to connect individuals to the appropriate level of care. Long Island Reach is committed to working with community residents of all ages and their families to engage and help them learn better ways to cope with depression and seek creative alternatives to drug and alcohol abuse.

“For the past 50 years, Long Island Reach has offered vital health and human services to Long Islanders in need. Non-profit organizations like Long Island Reach provide essential and life-saving services, such as behavioral health and addiction counseling as well as other countless critical support programs to help with mental health and to rebuild Long Island’s economy,” said Dr. Joseph Smith, psychologist and executive director of Long Island Reach. “Events such as our 9 and Dine Event support Long Island Reach allowing us to continue to help those in need and crisis across Nassau and Suffolk counties.”

Long Island Reach is grateful for its major sponsors Libby and Vinny D’Alessandro, PCG Advisory, and Malibu Wellness Ranch. —Submitted by Long Island Reach

Long Island Reach premier sponsor and supporter Jeffrey Ramson, PCG Advisory (left) alongside Long Island Reach Executive Director

Dr. Joe Smith (right). (Photo courtesy of Long Island Reach)