Twenty foursomes took to the course on Monday, October 2, for a new golf tournament, Builders of Hope, at Warwick Country Club in Warwick. The event, hosted by Ferreira Construction of Warwick, brought together professionals from the construction industry in support of a good cause. Tournament proceeds totaling $50,000 benefit Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and its mission of granting life-changing wishes for local children with critical illnesses.

The tournament was the brainchild of Al Marsocci, COO of Ferreira Construction.

 “There is so much our industry can do to support the Make-A-Wish cause, and we wanted to create an event that brought like-minded people together to learn more about getting more involved,” said Marsocci, a member of the Rhode Island Advisory Council for Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“We are so grateful to Ferreira Construction for organizing this event,” said Michael Vieira, Rhode Island Regional Director of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. “Over the years, many of the companies represented here today have contributed to our mission through their beautiful work helping to grant wishes for treehouses, playhouses, and more, and in many other ways. This event is a wonderful example of the power of community coming together to bring hope and joy to children when they need it most.”

During the evening program, wish mom Colleen Gulezian spoke about her son Phoenix’s wish for a playhouse. “Phoenix’s wish gave him his own space, where he can enjoy things he loves without disruption,” she said. “Phoenix was filled with such wonder and delight when he opened his eyes to his beautiful new ‘home,’ a place where he could spend hours playing, imagining, and making memories. The structure itself is absolutely stunning.”

Now, over a decade since his wish was granted, Phoenix and his family remain active members of the Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island alumni program, the Wish Community.

To learn more about how you can help build hope for local wish children and families during the 40th anniversary year of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and beyond, visit www.massri.wish.org/40.