Event raises over $175,000 to support children’s mental health

Published in the Long Island Press

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, hosted the Jonathan Krevat Memorial Golf Classic on June 2, 2025, at the outstanding Sands Point Golf Club. The event raised over $175,000 to support the Guidance Center’s work to bring hope and healing to children and families dealing with mental health challenges.

“With suicide serving as the second leading cause of death among children ages 10-14, the mission of the Guidance Center is more important than ever before,” said Troy Slade, Board Member and Co-Chair of the event. “Children and teens are facing unprecedented challenges that contribute to rising rates of depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation. We are all so grateful to our many friends, colleagues, and family members who came out to support this vital organization that makes a real difference for the children in our community.”

This year’s guest speaker was 13-year-old Fernanda Rivera, who began therapy at the Guidance Center in the 2nd grade when her mother noticed that she had lost interest in school, hobbies, and friends. She was eventually diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and through therapy, gained the tools to express herself and manage overwhelming emotions. “The Guidance Center paved the way for me to heal and discover who I am,” said Fernanda. “I’m so grateful to all the people who have helped me along the way, from my clinical team to my family, who never gave up on me and made sure I never gave up on myself.”

Fernanda was joined by her mother, Amanda Pena, who shared her perspective as a parent. “When my daughter was 8, I knew something wasn’t right,” she reflected. “She used to love going to school and being active, but that had all changed. She was no longer motivated, and she was so anxious about things she used to look forward to. The Guidance Center has been a miracle for my family. Us parents always want to do what is best for our kids, but we can’t do it alone. I am so grateful for the work of this organization, who gave my daughter the ability to take control of her own life.”

The co-chairs for this year’s Krevat Cup were Board Members Michael Mondiello, Dan Oliver, Michael Schnepper and Troy Slade.

The Guidance Center is grateful to the Krevat Cup’s sponsors: Aon, Susan & Jeff Krevat, NFP, Canon Solutions America, SkyBridge Capital, and the Bahnik Foundation. Special thanks to our corporate foursomes: City National Rochdale, the Levine Group, Newmark, PSEG Long Island, Rivkin Radler, and RT Specialty.