The Baker Center for Children and Families held its 20th Annual Golf Tournament at the Walpole Country Club, raising over $140,000 in support of its range of programs and services focused on improving the mental health and well-being of children and families. Over 20 years, this tournament has raised over $1.5 million in direct support for children and families in need.

At the event, participants took part in a full day of golf, contests, and on-course activities, along with a raffle and reception bringing together supporters of children's mental health across Greater Boston.

This year, Ashland resident David (Dave) J. Martens, Managing Director of Investments for Boston College's endowment and Second Vice Chair of The Baker Center's Board of Directors and Chair of its Finance Committee, was honored with the Thanda Fields Brassard Changing Lives Award. The award is presented in honor of Thanda Fields Brassard, a longtime trustee and advocate for children's mental health who passed away in 2024. Brassard served as Clerk of the Board of Trustees, chaired the Governance and Nominating Committee, and co-chaired the annual golf tournament. Her leadership and dedication continue to shape The Baker Center's work today.

Martens was recognized for his longstanding leadership and commitment to advancing The Baker Center's mission, including his governance support and financial stewardship helping the organization expand access to evidence-based care for children and families.

Programs supported through the event include:

Center for Effective Therapy (CET), an outpatient mental health clinic serving clients aged 2-22 facing mental health challenges and learning difficulties such as trauma, depression and anxiety. It focuses on short-term, high-quality, evidence-based treatment.

The Manville School, a therapeutic special education day school

Camp Baker, a summer treatment program designed as a fun camp for children struggling with ADHD and related challenges, who may struggle in neurotypical programs

Next Step: College Success & Independent Living, a college prep program for teens with social language challenges and social anxiety

The Baker Center is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to improving children's mental health and special education through short-term, science-backed care that is proven to work. All programs are rooted in evidence-based practices, meaning approaches that are tested, grounded in science, and designed to deliver measurable, lasting improvement for children and families.