True North Foundation launches with golf outing in memory of Vincent D’Antoni-Richmond

For the past eight years, Northport resident Sharon Richmond has been on a mission to help families across Long Island find the support they need to navigate challenges related to substance use, mental health and community well-being. Now, she is turning that mission into action through the launch of her nonprofit, the True North Foundation.

To conclude National Recovery Month and its theme, We Are Stronger Together, Richmond is hosting a golf outing on October 2 at Crab Meadow Golf Course. The event will mark the first fundraiser for the organization, created in memory of her son Vincent D’Antoni-Richmond.

The outing will raise funds to support young people who are speaking out about the issues Vincent faced – from substance use disorder to mental health struggles and environmental advocacy – and the changes they believe the community needs, Richmond explained.

“This isn’t just an event. It’s a way to open hearts and raise awareness on the importance of how we can educate and collaborate with our youth to show how together we are stronger and that together anything is possible,” she told the Journal.

Richmond lost Vincent to fentanyl poisoning when he was just 25 years old. “There are some beautiful life moments that I will never have the opportunity to be part of. But what I can do is carry his beautiful light and love forward, and honor his life in ways that help others,” she said. 

Her continued hope is that her volunteerism raises awareness, creates connections and ignites important conversations about substance use and mental health — so that the tragedy of losing a child does not affect other families.

Richmond started the True North Foundation with the goal of helping students in need access scholarships. All funds raised will go to the Vincent D'Antoni-Richmond Memorial Scholarship Fund. Applicants will be asked to write essays about the issues they see in the community relating to substance use, mental health or environmental challenges, and to propose ways youth and adults can work together to find solutions.

“My son Vincent struggled with substance use and mental health challenges, but he was so much more than his struggles. He was kind, thoughtful and passionate about protecting our environment. I often wonder what he’d be fighting for today – and who he might be inspiring,” Richmond said. 

The True North Foundation’s “Nine & Dine” Outing for a Cause will be held on Thursday, October 2 at the Crab Meadow Golf Course, beginning at 2:30pm. The event includes golf, dinner and cocktails. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. More information on the event and scholarship application can be found on the True North Foundation website.