Out and About in RI: Bradley Hospital raises $1.2 million at Bravo Bradley Gala

Photo credit: Peter Goldberg Photography

Photo, top: Bradley Hospital supporter Steve Pasquariello high fives auctioneer Harry Santa-Ollala after pledging a gift during the fund-a-need at Bravo Bradley. Looking on are Kate Luckett (center) and Dan Galvin (right). 

Bradley Hospital, the country’s first and New England’s only psychiatric hospital devoted exclusively to children, raised $1.2 million during its recent Bravo Bradley gala. The signature annual event was held on June 7 at the Wyndham Newport Hotel in Middletown. Of the total raised, $500,000 will benefit the hospital’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) residential programs. 

“I cannot overstate the impact that philanthropy has on our ability to care for patients – these are funds that enable more than traditional behavioral Health services, and that makes a tremendous difference,” said Henry Sachs, MD, President of Bradley Hospital. “The generosity of our donors never ceases to amaze me, and that is especially true when you consider the outpouring of support for Bravo Bradley.”

With the theme of “Let’s Make Waves,” more than 350 guests attended Bravo Bradley, which was co-chaired by hospital supporters Michele and Chris Levy. The elegant evening featured dinner, a speaking program and spirited live auction, and dancing to the sounds of Mystique.

During the event, attendees were captivated by 18-year-old guest speaker, Josh, who shared his experience with Bradley’s CADD SafeQuest program, which helps kids and teens with autism develop their social and emotional skills. Josh described how the program gave him the tools to regulate his emotions and improve the way he communicates with others. His words inspired guests, offering a firsthand account of the transformative impact Bradley has 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; a unique dining and wine-tasting experience at Il Massimo in Providence; and an ultimate New England Sports package featuring tickets to Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins Games. 

Bradley Hospital extends its deepest gratitude to 2024 Bravo Bradley co-chairs Michele and Chris 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, and The Verrecchia Family Foundation; and Gold Sponsors Alvarez & Marsal, Betty and Joe Brito, Jr., Kate Luckett and Steve Pasquariello, NEMD Architects, Tricia O’Neil, CFA of Raymond James, Aurelia Papitto and William Young, and Carol A. Peterson.