Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center Hosts Virtual Fundraising Gala

Authors Cameron Douglas, Johann Hari to speak on addiction recovery

Chicago, Illinois - Above and Beyond Recovery Center, an award-winning non-profit treatment program, is hosting its fourth annual virtual benefit gala, Redefining Recovery, on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. CST Attendees can access the gala online after registering on the website anb.today/2020-gala/ for the event and help to support others on their path to sobriety.

The virtual evening’s agenda includes inspiring stories from graduates, an address from the founder, Bryan Cressey, a celebration of loyal supporters, and a visit from actor and author Cameron Douglas, who will be speaking about his experience with addiction and recovery.

Renowned author, journalist, and speaker Johann Hari will also speak. Hari is the author of two New York Times best-selling books. His first, Chasing the Scream: the First and Last Days of the War on Drugs, is being adapted into a major Hollywood film by Oscar-winning director Lee Daniels, and into a non-fiction documentary series. He has given TED talks on topics of addiction, depression, and anxiety.

“Our gala is typically our largest fundraiser of the year, covering approximately one-third of our annual budget,” said Executive Director Dan Hostetler. “Like so many things these days, we have chosen to move the celebration online and are counting on donor support to help us reach our goal. In previous years, ticket prices were $250 per person. This year, registration is free so that the event is widely accessible.

“We hope you will join us to celebrate our success and the impact of our donor community. Please consider becoming a sponsor or making a donation to strengthen the community of support for those struggling with addiction.”

Donations can be made online or via check and mailed with a sponsorship form that can be found on the website.

Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center prides itself as a unique and loving outpatient behavioral treatment center that embraces those with substance use disorders. It turns no willing client away and offers its resources for free.

Above and Beyond is the only outpatient program that offers a Vestibule format. This means that every client is educated about multiple modalities of support groups (AA, SMART Recovery, and others) and they choose the best match based on their stage of recovery. Its foundational philosophy is based on Harm Reduction, meaning that it accepts where the client is and then provides the education, support, and skills to help him/her work toward their own self-defined goals. In the short term, Above and Beyond supports any decision that reduces harm for the client as they work toward their long-term goals, whatever they may be.