Acrisure Fall Golf Classic Raises Nearly $230,000 for Blythedale

This year, the Golf Classic for Blythedale celebrated its 29th year, with the successful annual event raising more than $4.5 million over the years for crucial programs at Blythedale Children’s Hospital.

This long-standing fundraiser for the Hospital dates back to 1996 and has grown significantly since longtime Blythedale supporter Carmine Lippolis took on the role of event chair 20 years ago. This year's golf committee included Isabella Autorino, Lou Baldessarre, John Cofini, Michelle Parinello, Paul Sohigian, and Brian Vieselmeyer. 

Acrisure also returned as the Title Sponsor, supporting the event with a generous $45,000 contribution. 

Golfers and sponsors helped bring in almost $230,000 for the Hospital's unique Day Hospital, which provides multidisciplinary care and education to children who are well enough to live at home, but still require a high level of medical care that isn't otherwise provided in their school or community.

"This is such an extraordinary event, and the compassion and commitment to Blythedale generated by Carmine Lippolis is palpable when you're in his presence," said Blythedale President and CEO Larry Levine. "It's impossible to articulate the impact of his 20 years of support, but suffice to say, he has played an integral role in changing the lives of countless children. We are deeply grateful to Carmine, our generous title sponsor Acrisure, and the long list of golfers and supporters who make this event the extraordinary success it is."

During the evening program, attendees heard from Deanna Zirolnik, the mother of three-year-old Milana, a patient who was admitted to Blythedale's Day Hospital in 2021 for complications with feeding and speech due to her diagnosis of Pierre Robin Syndrome. Deanna shared the story of Milana's inspiring recovery, and highlighted the exceptional care she received at Blythedale and the importance of having access to the wide range of specialized services Milana needed under one roof. 

Click below to watch a wrap-up of the 2024 event, or click here for a Facebook album with all the pictures!