Future Goals
1. In 2024 Reliant Foundation achieved a milestone and distributed $1 Million through our Community Grants Program. In 2025, we will meet or exceed that level, with a goal to make a greater impact with the nonprofit organizations in our service area.
2. Our efforts to connect key resources and organizations within the communities we serve will continue – with a goal to build an even wider network of charity partners focused on understanding the community’s health needs and funding initiatives that offer hope and change lives.
3. We will connect the generosity of our donors to sustainable resources that boost youth mental health and behavioral health, build tools to support substance use prevention and recovery for people of all ages, and impactful education that raises awareness and battles the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use.
Fundraising Opportunities
Each year, Reliant Foundation holds two major fundraising events designed to bring our donors, supporters, and the community together in support of our health-focused mission:
Reliant Foundation 5K: Run or Walk for a Healthier Community
Our annual certified, chip-timed road race will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, starting and finishing at Shore Park in Worcester. This fun community-building event brings together 250+ participants, spectators, and dozens of volunteers who represent corporate sponsors/donors, local student groups, and nonprofit community partners. The event also features musical entertainment, visits from local sports team mascots, and family-friendly activities.
Drive for a Difference Golf Classic and Auction: A Great Day for Making a Difference!
The Drive for a Difference takes place in May of each year. With the generosity of our sponsors, donors and volunteers, this time-honored tradition has raised more than $6.6 million in support of our health-focused grants and initiatives. Next year’s golf classic and auction will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Giving Opportunities
Our Annual Appeal allows supporters to make an unrestricted gift to our charity.
Donations can be mailed to: Reliant Foundation, 311 Main Street, Suite 202, Worcester, MA 01608
Online Giving is available to make a secure, one-time donation or recurring gift at reliantfoundation.org/give
We welcome matching gifts. Please contact your employer to see if your gift is eligible for a match.
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact us to let us know what you love to do, and we will help you find an opportunity to get involved! Email: foundation@reliantfoundation.org
Event volunteers assist with guest registration, coordinate event activities, assist with set-up and break-down, and help to make sure our attendees have a fabulous time!
Behind-the-Scenes: Volunteers provide invaluable help with mailings and other event preparation tasks during our busiest times of the year.
Leadership
Kelsa Zereski, President
Kristine Bostek, Fallon Health, Board Chair
Dr. Katharine Barnard, UMass Memorial Health, Vice Chair
Sanjay Shah, EBS Consulting, Treasurer
Andrew Madigan, F,W, Madigan Company, Inc., Clerk
Naomi Sleeper, Imperial Distributors, Inc., At-Large Member, Vice Chair
Board Members
John Andreoli, Sullivan Group
Dr. Allison Beckler, TaraVista Behavioral Health Center
Dr. Elizabeth DeGrush, Community Neuroscience Services
Dr. Marianne Felice, Retired, UMass Chan Medical School
Dr. Joshua Greenberg, Retired, Saint Vincent Hospital
Dr. Robert Klugman, UMass Memorial Medical Center
Dr. Tiffany A. Moore Simas, UMass Memorial Health, UMass Chan Medical School
Tara Rivera, Anna Maria College
