Making a Difference in Mental Health

THANKS to All for a Fantastic 8th Bo's Effort Tournament!

Thank you to everyone who came out to Queenstown on Monday, May 15th to support Bo's Effort!  We couldn't do this each year without our generous sponsors, donors, golfers, bidders, and volunteers.  The weather could not have been better! Bo definitely made sure of that! 

We hope everyone had a great time and enjoyed the new venue!  Hope to see everyone back again next year for #9!

The Bo's Effort Team


Congrats to our 2023 Tournament winners!

1st Place – River Course: Dan Tinker, Paul Whelan, Deane Smith, Brian Burg

1st Place – Lakes Course: Steve Bigelow, Hilly Sommers, Kevin Gray, Michael Bigelow

2nd Place – River Course: Chip Sheridan, Suzanne Sheridan, Andrew Skopp, Nick Sheridan

2nd Place – Lakes Course: Olivia Burchfield, Alex Burchfield, Alex Cronin, Mike Brinegar

3rd Place – River Course: Jason Ferris, Jeff Frantz, Matt Rogevich, Tim Seidl

3rd Place Lakes Course: Phil Philbin, Gary Netwell, Kent Philbin, Don Weber

Longest Drive: Suzanne Sheridan and Neil Welsh (River Course), Carolyn Lieberman and Josh Hand (Lakes Course)

Closest to the Pin: Suzanne Sheridan and Josh Ducharme (River Course), Costa Bugg and Dr. Tim Barr (Lakes Course)


What's New!


May 11, 2023

Our very own Katie DePaola was on Good Morning Washington to discuss Bo's Effort, Mental Health and the 8th Annual Bo's Effort Golf Tournament!

May 3, 2023

 
Bo's Effort awarded $15,000 in scholarships on May 3rd! Congrats to our scholarship recipients: Jayden Shiflett, Laci Petruccy, and Aileena Reed! We know you all will go on to do great things!
 
This is our 4th year partnering with Scholarship for Scholars and we are extremely grateful that we are able to help deserving local students who are either wanting to go into the mental health field or are personally affected by mental illness.
 
Representing Bo's Effort at the Awards Ceremony: Jill DePaola and Cathy Klase.
 

December 9, 2022

Bo's Effort was happy to show support for Our Minds Matter (OMM) by attending their milestone anniversary dinner celebrating 10 years of uplifting teen mental health!  Our Minds Matter is an upstream suicide prevention model based on resiliency research and the power of peer-to-peer influence amongst adolescents. Our Minds Matter began in five high schools in Fairfax County, VA. In the past 10 years, they've grown tremendously, and now support mental health clubs in nearly 130 schools nationwide. And they're still growing: by the end of the 2022-23 school year, they expect to be in 180 schools, reaching thousands of teens with our grassroots, student-led club model.

The anniversary event raised over $115k to continue OMM's mission. OMM said, "We are thrilled to celebrate this exciting milestone with our community, and kick off the next decade of our work toward the day when no teen dies by suicide." 

Learn more about OMM here.

LEFT PHOTO: Bo's Effort's (L-R) John and Jill DePaola and Katie and Adam Silverman.  RIGHT PHOTO: Katie Silverman (right) with OMM's Executive Director, Lauren Anderson (left).


December 1, 2022

2022 marks the 5th year Bo's cousin, NFL's Andrew DePaola, has chosen Bo's Effort for his My Cause, My Cleats charity.


October 15, 2022

Desirae Smith is our first Nursing Scholarship Fund recipient:

“When I became a registered nurse, I knew I wanted to work with the brain or the mind. I have worked in the psychiatric/mental health field most of my professional career as a RN. This is my passion. I am driven and motivated to break the negative stigma and inspire others to educate themselves about mental illness.  I helped open the Luminis Health J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center in April 2020, which is a stand-alone mental health facility that provides both inpatient and outpatient mental health services.  With the help of scholarship funding from Bo’s Effort, I am able to continue my education and am currently working towards a master’s degree in nursing. I want to reach larger audiences, providing hope to those struggling with their mental illness and lack of resources.  With the Bo’s Effort scholarship, I can work with confidence while simultaneously earning an advanced degree to support my future.”

Congrats, Desirae!


July 16, 2022

On July 16, 2022, the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline went live across the United States. Designed to strengthen and expand the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, the 988 Lifeline provides a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress.

Among the most prominent groups clarifying the vision is the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) who has established a very useful standard of care for what each 988 call center should aim for, specifically: “A crisis system that provides people with someone to talk to, someone to respond and somewhere to go”.


July 1, 2022

Bo's Effort is very excited to announce that we are now a part of the LH AAMC Foundation's Nursing Scholarship Fund.  This will provide a nursing scholarship every year – helping to train generations of nurses in the field of mental health and in turn – adding an invaluable component to our community!

A previous LHAAMC Nursing Scholarship Fund recipient, Elizabeth Moss, said: "I have the pleasure of helping mental health patients while I'm at work in the emergency department and would like to exclusively work in the mental health field.  Earning an advanced practice nursing degree is an enormous expense.  Receiving this scholarship means so much to my family as it allows us to offset the cost of this degree." 

We look forward to updating you on our involvement with this program and the stories of the dedicated nurses we are able to help as they continue their educational journies in the mental health field.


June 11, 2022

In early June, Bo's cousin, NFL's Andrew DePaola, was interviewed for the Minnesota Viking's Getting Open program – honoring memories of lives lost to mental illness:

"He was just a really bright, smart, fun-loving guy. He was always smiling, laughing. Loved playing video games," Andrew said of Bo, who had been 10 years younger. "He was a very gentle, kind person, and he loved animals. I think butterflies were among his favorite animals, so now his family will remember him every time they see a butterfly.

"He had a great heart and a great disposition. He had a great outlook on life," Andrew added. "Your mental illness doesn't define who you are as a person. It doesn't define Kurt; it doesn't define Bo. … He cared about so many people and just wanted to make sure that everyone was well off and taken care of, and he was such a kind, gentle soul. That is who Bo was."

Entire article can be found here.


May 28, 2022

Bo's Effort was proud to partner with Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation's Building Traditions Society (BTS) at this year's annual Bo's Effort Golf Tournament!  BTS is a network of leaders, professionals and families focused on supporting Anne Arundel County's hospital and healthcare community in a meaningful way.

BTS has pledged to raise $500,000 over the next five years for pediatric/adolescent mental health initiatives at LH AAMC and the J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center.  BTS provided several items for the Bo's Effort auction this year and the proceeds from those items went towards fulfillment of their pledge for pediatric/adolescent mental health initiatives!  We know how important and underfunded these initiaives are and were thrilled to be able to help!


May 21, 2022

Bo's Effort was once again proud to be a sponsor of NAMIWalks for 2022!  This year marked the 20th anniversary of the very first NAMIWalks campaign! What was once a small gathering of family members and advocates in the state of Maryland has now grown into the nation's largest and most successful grassroots fundraising campaign, taking place in 120 locations across the country.

This year NAMIWalks Maryland had 619 particpants, 156 teams and raised over $235,000!  Learn more here.


May 16, 2022

In partnership with Scholarships for Scholars, Bo's Effort is proud to award this year's scholarships to Angel'lique Lockhart, Caden Terrelonge, and Lucy Li (unable to attend.)  The Bo's Effort Scholarship Committee has the daunting task of reviewing several heart-felt essays from well-deserving, college-bound students and from those, selecting 3 to receive scholarships from Bo's Effort.  Scholarship recipients must have personal experience with mental illness or have chosen to go into the mental health field in some capacity upon graduation.

Currently a senior at Glen Burnie High School, Angel'lique Lockhart (above)  is excelling in the Biomedical Allied Health Magnet Program where she has completed a Keystone Internship and has risen to the top 10% of her graduating class. Angel is headed to Chestnut Hill College to study Biology and Psychology. She says, "I would like to intern in a setting that relates to patients and their mental health."

Currently a senior at Broadneck High School, Caden Terrelonge (above, left)  is a scholar, athlete, and entrepreneur whose life changed in the fall of 2019 when he lost his 12-year-old sister to suicide.  Caden writes, "the Bo's Effort scholarship has made me realize that other people have been through similar situations, and I should never be afraid to raise awareness for mental health."  Caden is heading to Florida State University to study Mechanical Engineering.

A senior at Glen Burnie High School, Lucy Li (above, right) is being awarded her scholarship for her passionate interest in psychology and her choice of child psychiatry as her career path.  Lucy says, "I believe mental health conditions in children are often overlooked, yet they can have significant impact on their development and well being."  Lucy is off to Tulane University to study Neuroscience.

Bo's Effort congratulates all of our scholarship recipients and wish them the best of luck in their future.  We know they will go on to do great things and we are extremely proud that we could help in some small way.


December 8, 2021

Bo's cousin, #2 ranked NFL long snapper Andrew DePaola of the Minnesota Vikings, chooses Bo's Effort for this year's My Cause My Cleats campaign!  Read the full article here.  (Photo credit: Alli Rusco/Minnesota Vikings)


May 18, 2021

Bo's Effort was very excited to  be able to award 3 scholarships to very deserving students this year!  We know that our three scholarship recipients will continue to do great things!  Congrats Ryan, Caleb and Caitlin!

To read more about these amazing young scholars, click here.


November 15, 2020

Bo's sister, Katie DePaola, gets real in her book about overcoming the trauma of a mystery illness, mourning the loss of her youngest brother and attempting to cut ties with her business partner and then-fiancé.

To overcome this trifecta of trauma, she knew she needed to become her own advocate and find the unexpected gifts. She never imagined she would be starting a million-dollar business in the midst of so much chaos.

In At Least You Look Good, Katie shares her most vulnerable and amusing reflections on dealing with the hardest parts of life. From a psych ward break up call and visits from her probation officer to over-the-top beauty treatments and making business deals from bed, Katie’s story is a deep, entertaining and love-filled modern guide to healing.

Katie urges women to glow through whatever they go through by unapologetically owning their desires, learning to use their anxiety as fuel, swiping on some waterproof mascara and showing up for life.

A must-read for those looking to take their lives to the next level, Katie’s resilient approach to balancing the demands of inner and outer beauty inspires a generation of leaders to overcome whatever life throws their way.

At Least You Look Good tells the story of Katie’s inspiring comeback, demonstrating that loss always leads back to love.

Purchase here on Amazon


October 2, 2020

Bo's Effort was incredibly honored to be chosen by 100 Women Who Care Annapolis as the charity they were going to support in October 2020.  100 Women Who Care Annapolis is a group of local women who want to support Annapolis area non-profits by pooling donations to create a larger impact.  They meet twice per year and each donate $100 to a local non-profit selected by vote at the meeting.  100 women x $100 donation = $10,000 for the chosen non-profit!  Bo's Effort was the recipient of their generosity in 2020 and we put the money towards our scholarship fund so we can help even more deserving students achieve their academic dreams.


March 4, 2020

Bo's Effort was incredibly honored to be invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony of AAMC's new mental health hospital – The J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center.  This facility features a 16-bed adult inpatient unit and a partial hospitalization program for 34 adults and adolescents.  We have been looking forward to the opening of this hospital for quite some time and are extremely happy to have been a part of it.  We can't thank everyone enough for your contributions over the years to support mental wellness!  We know this hospital will fill a much needed void in our community.  Congrats, AAMC!


October 5, 2019

Bo’s Effort was proud to be a sponsor of the 2nd Annual NAMI AAC Mental Health Gala held at the Crowne Plaza Annapolis Hotel.  The evening featured dinner, guest speakers, a silent auction and awards acknowledging those who make a big difference every day for those living with a mental illness within Anne Arundel County.


June 1, 2019

Bo’s Effort was once again proud to be a sponsor of NAMI Walks. 1,500 people gathered in Baltimore for a 5K to raise awareness and funds for mental health issues and help to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness.  Proceeds from the event support NAMI's mission "to improve the quality of life for individuals and their families coping with mental illness."


February 25, 2019

Bo’s Effort visited the construction site of the new Anne Arundel Medical Center mental health hospital and proudly presented a check for $150,000.  This facility is scheduled to open in 2020 and will serve up to 900 patients a year.  It will provide a full spectrum of mental health services for both inpatient and outpatient care.

(L-R Representing Bo's Effort: Johnny DePaola, John DePaola, Thabata DePaola, Carlos Sera, Todd Sodeman, Todd Garvett, Bridget Burns and Jill DePaola. Representing AAMC: Jo Deaton, Donna Phillips, Danny Watkins, Barbara Jacobs and Jan Wood)


Have you heard our PSA?


December 2, 2018

Bo's cousin, long snapper Andrew DePaola of the Oakland Raiders, again chooses Bo's Effort for the My Cause My Cleats campaign! (Photo credit: Tony Gonzalez/Oakland Raiders).


October 23, 2018

Bo’s Effort was well represented at the Anne Arundel Mental Health Agency annual appreciation dinner in Annapolis, MD. Our board of directors (L-R Todd Sodeman, Todd Garvett, Bridget Burns and Carlos Sera) attended this event to help celebrate their accomplishments and honor those who lost their lives in the Annapolis Capital Gazette shooting. They are doing incredible work and should be recognized for being one of the leading mental health agencies in the country. Thank you for all you do!


October 5, 2018 

On October 5th the first Bo DePaola Award for Excellence was awarded at the 2018 NAMI Gala.  The deserving recpient of the award was Kate Callahan.

Kate Callahan is the Adult Aftercare Specialist for the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, Inc. and has been since 2008.  She has been instrumental in providing support and resources to Anne Arundel County residents.  Kate has always created an open door for individuals to reach out and is always able to come up with a creative solution.  Kate has fostered relationships with County and State Behavioral Health officials.    She is a member of the Commission on Disability Issues and has been an avid supporter and participant of disability awareness day.  She has been the behavioral health chair of Homeless Resource Day for the past four years.  Kate is the SOAR team lead in Anne Arundel County, she provides support and technical assistance to our case management providers to help fast track individuals to obtain SSI and SSDI.  Kate is a certified Mental Health First Aid trainer and she is also trained in Critical Incident Stress Management. 

Kate oversees special funding for individuals who otherwise may not have access to community-based placements.  She participates in the Consumer Quality Team for Anne Arundel County residential rehabilitation providers.  Kate is always a strong advocate for the individuals to ensure that their needs are appropriately being met.  Kate looks forward to a day when behavioral health disorders are understood to be organic and genetic and the stigma no longer exists.  So do we, Kate!  Congratulations!


October 5, 2018

Bo’s Effort gives the Anne Arundel County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness $20,000 to support programming and education for people struggling with mental illness and families going through what the DePaolas went through.

(L-R Kathleen Geary, Deb and Todd Garvett, Katie DePaola, Jill and John DePaola and Deb Terhune)

 

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All donations are tax-deductible and very much appreciated!  Bo’s Effort is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 81-2909943.