The Oconee Cellar Annual Golf Outing

On September 16, 2025 The Oconee Cellar hosted its second annual golf tournament benefiting the foundation. It was a wonderful day filled with great weather, live music, and time spent together. Thanks to the generosity of those involved, the event raised more than $70,000 to support our mission.

On September 16th, 2025, over 100 players converged at beautiful Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee for the second annual Oconee Cellar Golf Tournament. Attendees enjoyed great weather, live entertainment, dinner and cocktails provided by the many vendors that supply The Oconee Cellar. The tournament raised over $70,000 for The Spencer Bradley Foundation for Mental Health.

"We wanted to create an event that would thank our customers and support our community," said Matt Garofalo, owner of The Oconee Cellar. "We have been friends with David and Patti [Bradley] for over 25 years. Donating all proceeds from this tournament to The Spencer Bradley Foundation for Mental Health was a perfect fit."

The Spencer Bradley Foundation for Mental Health was established in memory of Spencer Bradley. In June of 2022, Spencer lost his battle with mental health, even though, as revealed after his passing, he was able to help others with their personal struggles. The foundation continues Spencer's legacy by supporting mental health programming for teens and young adults.

Since its inception, the foundation has fulfilled grants totalling over $160,000. Among other things, the funds provided training for teachers and students at Lake Oconee Academy, Greene County Schools, Gatewood School, Kennesaw State University, University of Georgia and Buford County Schools. These trainings teach individuals what to recognize about someone who has a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. The trainings teach what questions to ask, what to say, what to do, and how to refer for help. The courses guide participants in ways to diffuse someone in, or headed for, a crisis. The foundation has a goal of training 100,000 people in the next five years.

Most people have a connection to suicide, be it a classmate, co-worker, family member or friend.

"We hear from people all the time with similar stories. Most of us didn't know what to look for. We didn't know how deep Spencer's struggles ran and there was nothing that we, or his friends, could imagine would lead him to make that final decision," said Dr. David Bradley. "Patti and I want to end the stigma of mental health and teach others what they can do to save a life. We're working hard to prevent another family from experiencing a loss like this."

"Spencer grew up with our boys here at the lake," said Daniela Garofalo. "We have so many memories of the laughter he brought to all of us. We're proud to help support the work being done in his name."

Among the prizes awarded to golf tournament winners were special pieces of Japanese Kintsugi pottery fabricated by an artisan who has made pieces presented by our government to the Prime Minister of Japan. Kintsugi is a process of repairing broken pottery with gold. The repaired pottery is a metaphor that can be related to the healing of someone who is broken and making them stronger and more beautiful than before — an important theme for those affected by, and survivors of, a mental health crisis.

"This was such a great event," said Dr. Patti Bradley. "So many people coming together to have fun and make a difference. We're humbled and proud to be a part of such a supportive community."