This coming May 13, Bridge House will be returning with the Annual Women of Substance Luncheon hosted by the James P. Raymond Jr. Foundation & Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust.
The focus of the Luncheon will be, as always, to honor outstanding women from the New Orleans community who serve as role models for those in the substance-abuse treatment program at Grace House and who are striving for a soberness and self-sufficiency. The women being honored this year are Joy Bollinger, Dian Tooley-Knoblett, and Gwen Briggs.
The luncheon program includes not only a delicious meal to be enjoyed in the vibrant Audubon Tea Room, but also a large silent auction, a live raffle, and a second live auction. It will culminate in the recognition of the three individual award recipients this year: Bill Memeles (receiving this year's Richard "Buzzy" Gaiennie Award), Christina Illarmo (Volunteer of the Year Award), and Christie Silvis (Alumna of the Year Award). Tickets are going for $125 per seat, while tables of 10 will be available for $1,250. As of May 2, all tickets may be purchased by phone call or email; contact Stephanie Clary, CFRE at (504) 821-7134 or sclary@bridgehouse.org.
For over 60 years, it has been the mission of the Bridge House/Grace House to provide treatment for individuals suffering with substance abuse disorder with the aid and resources they might not otherwise receive. In particular, the Support for the Women of Substance Luncheon helps provide treatment at no cost to 800+ individuals who don't possess the means for the means for private treatment; primarily the homeless, indigent, uninsured, underinsured, and/or unemployed. In addition, Grace House is the only treatment facility in the region that provides long-term housing for women suffering from substance-abuse disorder.
