CARE Breakfast Welcomed Featured Speaker and Former Boston Celtics Player

On Monday, November 3, 2014, CARE (Chemical Awareness, Resources & Education) held its 30th Annual Breakfast at the Omni Hotel.

 

Approximately 550 guests attended the breakfast with featured speaker and former Boston Celtic’s basketball player, Chris Herren, Honorary Co-Chairs Ellen and Clayton Kershaw and Breakfast Chair Shirley Cohn.

Featured Speaker Chris Herren and Honorary Co-Chairs Ellen and Clayton Kershaw

Together, they helped raise a staggering $220,000 for CARE and the crucial assistance they provide for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol dependencies.

Emcee Terry Bentley Hill, Kadie Hill, Beth Bradshaw, and Peyton Blackwell

CARE Executive Director Pam Murray kicked off the breakfast with the serenity prayer and welcomed guests as they took their seats. The audience then watched a short, yet inspiring video about several individuals who are now sober thanks to the help of CARE.

Katherine Thompson, Peyton Ward, Sydney Smith and Gabby Crank

After the video, Jan Osborn, CARE board chairman, announced the recipient of the Margaret Sharpe Community Service Award, Terry Boyd.

Christina Harper and Doug and Debbie Knauss

Breakfast Emcee Terry Bentley Hill then took the stage to introduce Chris Herren, who struggled with addiction for much of his basketball career. During the hour-long speech, audience members were captivated by his harrowing stories of substance abuse that lasted 15 years. Herren credited his sobriety to the moment when a counselor told him he should tell his wife to tell his children that he was dead so that he would no longer disappoint and hold them back.

Steve and Pat Schiff, Juliet Andersen and Denham Schiff

Now sober six years, Chris told the audience that he now travels the country sharing his story in hopes of reaching just one person and making an impact in his or her life.

 

Following Chris’ speech, guests stayed well after the breakfast to say “hello” and take pictures with him.

Ryan O'Dwyer, Tom O'Dwyer, and Honorary Co-Chair Clayton Kershaw

The money raised during the breakfast will help to fund several of CARE’s programs, such as New Directions, Red Ribbon Week, and parenting programs that give parents the tools to connect and communicate with their teens.

 

In addition, the money will allow CARE to continue to inform the community of the risks of drug and alcohol use and abuse and to provide referrals to anyone struggling with addiction.

Grace Restrepo, Meghan McCollum and Lainey Gonzales