Annual Celebrate Recovery! Luncheon

Casa Serena, Supporters Mark 52 Years of ‘Celebrating Recovery!’

Fundraising luncheon at the Santa Barbara Club honors the organization's efforts to help women suffering from alcohol and drug addiction

2011 Pillar of Strength recipients Bruce Read, left, and Peggy Fletcher with Casa Serena Executive Director Craig Belknap and board President Mike Olsen at last Saturday’s “Celebrating Recovery!” luncheon at the Santa Barbara Club. (Melissa Walker / Noozhawk photo)

Angie and Arielle

Casa Serena graduate and keynote speaker Arielle Dewey, left, with Angie Clark at the “Celebrate Recovery!” luncheon.

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Celebrate was a wonderful day and a huge success!

On Saturday, October 1^st , 170 friends, family, and supporters of Casa Serena gathered to enjoy each other's company and to acknowledge the good work of Casa Serena in the community. Two longtime volunteers, Bruce Read and Peggy Fletcher, were honored as our 2011 “Pillar of Strength” award winners for their dedication to Casa and to women in recovery. Gracefully accepting the awards, they shared their personal feelings about Casa. “Women in recovery have very specific challenges they face. What Casa Serena does best is address those issues, so that women can have success in living sober, productive lives,” said Bruce Read, former Board President. Honoree Peggy Fletcher told the crowd, “Casa Serena is a haven for all those who go there. I feel the same way when I am there. Women who attend the program are changed forever.” Peggy, a dedicated volunteer and former Board Member, gives an abundance of time, energy, and resources supporting the women of Casa Serena.

The highlight of the program was a heartfelt testimonial by Casa Graduate, Arielle Dewey. Arielle came to Casa Serena addicted to heroin, 2 months pregnant, and living with an abusive gang member. “Walking up the stairs to my bedroom, I knew I was finally in a safe place. I knew my life would change forever,” she said thankfully. “Casa Serena literally saved my life so that I could have a life worth living.” Now a college graduate, founder of a non-profit organization helping low-income women, and the mother of a healthy, happy toddler, she stood before us: a confident, articulate woman with a purpose.

The lunch, prepared by the Santa Barbara Club, was delicious and silent auction included several fabulous trips and other wonderful items. The excitement grew as the auction came to a close and guests were awarded their prizes. The Santa Barbara Newspress and Noozhawk provided media coverage of the event.

http://www.noozhawk.com/article/100611_celebrate_recovery_luncheon_for_casa_serena/