Please join us on Saturday, November 12, 2022 for a evening to celebrate recovery by the beautiful North East River in Charlestown MD at the Wellwood Restaurant. This is a semi-formal charity event is an award ceremony honoring individuals who have gone above and beyond to support those still struggling with addiction and those in recovery. This is our 7th Annual Gratitude Banquet and funds raised will be used to help those who are building a new life in recovery.

Featuring Recovery comedian Kurtis Matthews!

In 1984, Kurtis Matthews began his stand-up career at the Improv in Hollywood. That same year, he also embarked upon his own journey of recovery from alcoholism and drug abuse after an automobile accident resulted in his second DUI and jail time. Touring alongside such renowned comedy veterans as Bill Hicks and Sam Kinison, he learned the joys of making people laugh as well as the challenges of staying clean and sober while doing so. After fourteen years of touring nationally and appearing on A & E’s “Evening at the Improv,” Kurtis took a five-year break to work in the software industry. Stand-up had never left his heart, though, and in 1999, he started the San Francisco Comedy College (SFCC), the nation’s largest stand-up school. The SFCC has trained over 7,000 people to be funny, attracting scouts from HBO and the Late Show with David Letterman. Most recently Kurtis starred in the hit BBC 1 Reality Show, “Find Me the Funny” as well as Season 2 of the Popular TV Show, “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew”.

He along with Mark Lundholm are the founding members of the ‘Addicts Comedy Tour’ which continues to perform at Recovery Events all over the country.

Using his struggles with alcohol, drugs and infidelity to enrich his material, Kurtis makes audiences laugh while inspiring them to be the best people they can be.

2022 Gratitude Awardees

Billy and Jason from Recovery (sort of) Podcast

Recovery (sort of) Podcast: For almost 3 years, Jason and Billy have been hosting guests and having conversations about all things recovery related – including relationships, behavioral health disorders, spirituality and recovery pathways. In the process, they have raised thousands of dollars that they have donated to Voices of Hope. VoH has used these funds to help reunite families, pay for recovery housing and special needs such as transportation, work attire and food for people in recovery. We are grateful for Recovery (sort of) and their willingness to talk openly about issues that people in recovery face. This podcast was recently honored as one of the top 5 sobriety podcasts for men by Ethos Recovery!

Dawn Breslin – Harford Hero Award: As the Aberdeen Community Safety Specialist at the Aberdeen Police Department, Dawn is the ambassador for the members of the community, business owners and the Police. She is passionate with a sincere desire to help everyone regardless of their situation, including those experiencing homelessness and behavioral health disorders. Dawn has been instrumental with the success of Voices of Hope in Harford County. She welcomed us and immediately connected VoH with her network of contacts in Aberdeen. Together, we form a framework of supports for those seeking help and recovery. We are grateful for Dawn and her crucial impact on our services in Harford County.

Prevention & Overdose Response Team (PORT) Bill Adams, John Donohue, Brianna Lowe – Cecil Champion Award: The PORT Team has been instrumental in connecting overdose survivors and their families to services, including treatment and recovery supports. Since it’s inception, PORT has promoted inclusive collaboration among community providers in response to ongoing crisis needs in the community and advocating on their behalf. PORT has modeled what advocacy and community support looks like through it’s sensitivity and responsiveness. We are grateful for PORT team and the extra mile they go for people surviving substance use disorder in Cecil County.

VoH Volunteer of the Year Award: To Be Announced at Event!

THANK YOU to our sponsors and silent auction items from supporters! We could not help those in our community without the support of organizations, government agencies and individuals.

Platinum Level: Cecil County Health Department and Hygea Healthcare

Gold Level: Addiction Connections Resource, Brantwood Family Services, Elevate Recovery, Newark Toyota World, Office of Drug Control Policy of Harford County, Walden Pyramid

Silver Level: Ashley Addiction Treatment, Daniel Carl Torsch Foundation Inc.

Bronze Level: BWS Industries, Elkton Dermatology, Don Mathis & Suzanne Tuthill, Julie (Younce) Lyness for Recovery (sort of), Al Peteraf – Integrity Realtors