Bradley Hospital raised over $1.2 million during its signature annual event, Bravo Bradley, held on June 7 at the Wyndham Newport Hotel in Middletown, Rhode Island.
The hotel was decked out in coastal chic décor for this year’s theme of “Let’s Make Waves.” More than 350 guests attended the event to support Bradley, the nation's first psychiatric hospital dedicated exclusively to children and adolescents. Co-chaired by Chris and Michele Levy, the event featured dinner, a speaking program, a spirited live auction, and dancing to Mystique.
Guests were captivated by 18-year-old patient speaker, Josh, who shared his experience with Bradley’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) SafeQuest program. This program helps kids and teens with autism and other challenges develop their social and emotional regulation skills. Josh's speech inspired guests, and provided a firsthand demonstration of the transformative impact that Bradley can have on patients and their families.
In an exciting live auction led by professional auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla, guests bid on sought-after items, some for as much as $20,000, including: a one-week stay at a Tuscan villa with a private driver and a variety of activities which was sold multiple times; a unique dining and wine-tasting experience at Il Massimo featuring live demonstrations from talented Chef Davide Negri; and the ultimate New England sports package that featured top tickets to Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins games.
This year’s fund-a-need benefited Bradley’s four CADD residential programs. Before auctioneer Harry solicited pledges, guests heard a moving account from Allan Garcia and Beth Babbitt, the parents of Jack—a CADD residential patient—who shared how Bradley not only saved their son, but also their family.
Of the more than $1.2 million raised, $500,000 benefited the CADD residential homes.
An extraordinary yet anonymous pledge of $75,000 helped make this the most successful fund-a-need auction in Bradley history, along with outstanding leadership support from Chris Brito, Bill and Tina Carr, Chad Laurans, Scott and Monica Laurans, Ocean State Job Lot, Carol Peterson, Drs. Henry Sachs and Teresa A. Van Buren and The Verrecchia Family Foundation.
Dozens of inspired donations followed, ranging from $10,000 to $250. And, in an exciting final call for pledges, Cox Business matched all donations of $100.
Bradley Hospital extends its deepest gratitude to the 2024 Bravo Bradley co-chairs Chris and Michele Levy and to Title Sponsor Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation; Presenting Sponsor Susan O. and David A. Brown; Platinum Sponsors Amica Insurance; Christine and William Carr; David and Diane Piccoli; The Verrecchia Family Foundation; and Gold Sponsors Alvarez & Marsal; Betty and Joe Brito, Jr.; Kate Luckett and Steve Pasquariello; NEMD Architects; Tricia S. O’Neil, CFA, Managing Director, Descendants Wealth Management of Raymond James; Aurelia Papitto and William Young; and Carol A. Peterson. Please view our program book as Flipbook or PDF to see our many other generous sponsors.