Our wonderful, albeit somewhat chilly day, began with a barbeque lunch overlooking the chipping green. Prior to the start of the round, our group listened to a moving talk from Alyssa Schoppee, representing Rosie’s Place and the work they do for women in need. In addition to Rosie’s Place, representatives from the New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV) and the Will to Live Foundation opened our eyes and our hearts to their very worthy causes. We all became a little more aware of some of these vital issues that exist in our society and how our support helps these organizations power change in our community. Here is some of what our guests shared.
Rosie’s Place
Rosie’s Place, a sanctuary for poor and homeless women, sharing a mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment to help them maintain their dignity as they get the necessary services they need to achieve independence. Our wonderful speaker, Alyssa Schoppee, shared how the first women-only shelter came to be in the United States in the early 1970’s to address the need of women desperate for help. Rosie’s Place has evolved into a multi-service agency that works to create answers for 12,000 women a year through wide-ranging support, housing, and education services. While many enter the doors to Rosie’s Place admitting defeat, they are shown compassion and are provided with the message that every woman is a strong and resourceful individual, whose past and present need not be her limits. Learn more.
New England Center and Home for Homeless Veterans
F. Beirne Lovely, Jr. from the NECHV kicked off the evening with a powerful message about the fight to end veteran homelessness. Founded by veterans for veterans over two decades ago it is the largest shelter in the country providing a safe haven for those that have defended our nation as they now struggle to fight their own personal battles. The organization sheds light on the face of homelessness in America revealing that many veterans, both male and female, find themselves on hard times and specifically in an age range that hit home with many in attendance. NECHV through events like these, remind us that these veterans will not be forgotten and aims to provide much needed hope that enables success for the future.
Will to Live Foundation
In an inspiring video, John Trautwein, founder of the Will to Live Foundation, shared his very personal story of loss, hope, and the will to live. Following the tragic death of his 15-year-old son to suicide, he created a foundation dedicated to preventing teen suicide through education about mental health and encouraging teens to recognize the love and hope that exists in each other. John explained how debilitating depression can be and importance of checking in with your loved ones. Sharing our struggles in life helps spread awareness that difficulties don’t have to be dealt with on their own. This message sends a powerful reminder to recognize that the people of all ages, but in particular the youngest in our lives face many challenges far different than the generation before them and need support learning how to cope.Learn more.
UNICOM Engineering was honored to organize this annual Golf Classic! We thank all of our terrific sponsors, vendors, and volunteers who contributed their time and efforts in making this an amazing day - it could not have been possible without each and every one of you. We appreciate the opportunity to be a part of such worthy causes, to help provide important services, and to have the chance to give back to those in need. We look forward to continuing to host this event and seeing you all again for another round of golf in 2020.
Thank You to our awesome 2019 sponsors!
