EAST PROVIDENCE – Rallying in support of Bradley Hospital more than 400 guests attended the annual Bravo Bradley Gala on June 1 and donated a record-breaking $883,975 toward the institution’s research and treatment programs.
“I could not be more thankful to everyone who made this year’s gala a success and who stand alongside Bradley as we heal the hearts and minds of the children who need us most,” said Daniel J. Wall, president of Bradley Hospital, in a statement.
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Chaired by Bristol residents Betty and Joe Brito at Rhodes of the Pawtuxet, $258,000 will fund enhancements to the hospital’s Compass Program, a community-based residential treatment program for girls aged 13 to 18 struggling with mental illness.
During the evening’s entertainment, Jessica O’Connor, the 2018 USA Ambassador Miss Rhode Island Teen and a Bradley patient, sang a rendition of The Dark by Beth Crowley.
This was followed by a short film which featured the stories of four current Bradley patients, all young girls receiving treatment at the hospital’s Compass program. O’Connor also shared details of her experience of treatment at Bradley.
During the auction and fund-a-need portion of the evening, the Britos offered to match any additional donations dollar-for-dollar. The couple’s generosity spurred another $40,000 in gifts, which totaled $80,000 for Bradley.
“When families don’t know where to turn, when their children are gripped by the stronghold of mental illness – or worse – Bradley is there to help,” said Joe Brito, in a statement.
His wife Betty added: “Bradley Hospital is charting the future for our children and with all of us by their side, the sky is truly the limit.”
Founded in 1930, Bradley Hospital was the nation’s first psychiatric hospital devoted exclusively for children and adolescents. It remains a nationally recognized center for children’s mental health care, training and research.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
