The 1st Annual Addiction Awareness Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction on September 10, 2016, provided a platform for the public to be a part of the momentum behind Acceptance Recovery Center’s movement against the disease of addiction. From the moment of entrance at the Commerce Civic Center, attendees were welcomed with warmth and an air of elegant sophistication. The colors of purple, black, and silver adorned the venue, and a beautiful, hand-painted wooden pallet served as the guest book for the event. Guests were encouraged to participate in a colorful and humorous “Selfie Station,” posing with fun props and cardboard messages of encouragement such as, “Recovery Rocks” and “You Are Enough.” Each table’s purple daisy centerpiece had an arrangement of painted river stones with such hopeful words as “Brave” and “Believe,” emphasizing the message of hope that drives ARC.

    As the event commenced, light hors d’oeuvres were served, and family and friends were invited to peruse the silent auction table, which included an expanse of art, gift certificates, memorabilia, and jewelry. Founder and Executive Director Brandy Witte Anderson opened the dinner with a moment of silence honoring those who have lost their battle with addiction. Catering by Oakwood Occasions sated guests prior to the highlight of the evening – five speakers who covered a range of topics from the current statistics of modern addiction to living in recovery as a resident at ARC. Brandy Witte Anderson began with a focus on the mission of ARC and the gravity of the disease of addiction. Dr. Carly Redding, a member of the Board of Directors, covered the sobering statistics of how prevalent addiction is in modern society, stating most start using as early as 12 years old. The theme of the remaining guest speakers encompassed the components of ARC. John MacBeth, a gentleman in recovery for a decade, spoke of the complexities of “Acceptance.” Mary Elizabeth McGarity covered the topic of “Recovery” and the meaning of living a life free from the chains of active addiction. Jason Apple represented the “Center” as a current resident who started with ARC the day it opened and has truly excelled in the program. Mr. Apple openly shared his experience, strength, hope and gratitude, and he received a standing ovation as a result of his raw honesty.

    To round out this beautiful evening of tribute and recovery revelry, the silent auction winners were announced and attendees dined on dessert. As a final gesture of remembrance and love, silver star-shaped balloons with written messages to loved ones were released into the night sky, honoring addicts who lost their lives to this disease.

    Acceptance Recovery Center’s 1st Annual Addiction Awareness Benefit not only raised funds for ARC, but also raised awareness about this disease and allowed community members to join in ARC’s mission of recovery. The night could be captured in the essence of two words: “Sincere Gratitude.” Acceptance Recovery Center is eternally grateful to have community support and outreach as a driving force in our movement to break the stigma of addiction “one day at a time.”