EAST PROVIDENCE — After initially postponing its Bravo Bradley gala to late August, Bradley Hospital has moved to cancel the signature event for 2020 amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event, which has become the hospital’s largest annual fundraiser, was originally scheduled for June 5. It was to be held at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet.

“Although this is an unfortunate announcement to have to make, nothing is more important than doing our part to ensure community safety and following the guidelines in place,” said Henry T. Sachs, III, MD, president and chief medical officer, Bradley Hospital. “These are times unlike any we’ve experienced before, and I could not be more proud of the work of our staff during this unprecedented crisis or more grateful for our community’s support.”

Last year’s Bravo Bradley generated $770,800 for the country’s first – and New England’s only – psychiatric hospital devoted to children. The funds were raised in support of the hospital’s areas of greatest need and to advance pioneering pediatric mental health care, education, and research.

The 2020 event was being chaired by Tricia and Tim O’Neil, and was expected to draw more than 400 guests. Its fund-a-need, a special fundraising opportunity during the night when guests are invited to donate to a specific cause, was the hospital’s Healing Arts Program. The program, which relies on philanthropy and faces a budget shortfall, provides creative and therapeutic activities that improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of patients. Some of the program’s offerings include storytelling, circus arts, hip-hop, tape art, and improv. The program is not reimbursable by insurance.

In anticipation of increasing coronavirus-related restrictions, Bradley’s Healing Arts moved to virtual during the early stages of the national crisis. The switch has enabled young patients to continue to experience yoga, dance, magic, exercise, and music therapy uninterrupted.

“Children have felt increasingly isolated and anxious during all of this, and it has been nothing short of inspirational to see our expressive therapists and community artists take their commitment to our patients even higher,” said Melissa Weaver, LMHC, ATR-BC, manager of Bradley’s Healing Arts Program. “Garages have turned into stages and dining rooms into dance studios. This is a program that’s incredibly important to our hospital’s continuum of care, and one that depends entirely on the generosity of donors.”

To help ensure its Healing Arts Program continues, Bradley Hospital has created a virtual fund-a-need campaign in lieu of Bravo Bradley. Gifts to support the program can be made easily online at https://giving.lifespan.org/Bradley/Bravo-Donate.

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