WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – April 14, 2022
Supporters and friends of CARP gathered together at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach Saturday, for the CARP Spring Luncheon – which was postponed twice from its original date due to COVID concerns. The event drew even more guests than pre-COVID spring luncheon events. After two years, luncheon guests were so happy to see one another that the chairman had to delay the start of the program – to allow old and new friends time to connect following a prolonged period of lockdowns and quarantines.
Following a reception in the Living Room, where supporters of CARP mingled with guest speaker Kelly McGillis, board members, and long-term CARP advocates, guests moved upstairs to the Royal Poinciana Ballroom at noon for the luncheon, where they were welcomed by Chairman Bishop Harold Calvin Ray.
Kelly McGillis, Bishop Harold Calvin Ray, and Brenda Ray – Photographer, Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART
Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg (15th Judicial Circuit) spoke about his progress on the front lines of the opioid crisis, and in leading the Sober Homes Task Force that has made more than 115 arrests for patient brokering and insurance fraud in the addiction treatment industry. He advocates for treatment instead of incarceration, where appropriate, as “addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing.”
State Attorney Dave Aronberg and Chief Assistant State Attorney Alan Johnson – Photography, Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART
The guest speaker, Kelly McGillis, who is a graduate of The Juilliard School and is known for her performances in “Witness,” “Top Gun,” and “The Accused”, held the audience spellbound, while engaging both hearts and minds with her powerful story.
Bill DeMott and Mo Maynor DeMott – Photography, Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART
CARP is thankful for support from The Frankino Foundation, Cathleen McFarlane Foundation, Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation, The Gratitude Foundation, Park Miller and Patty Dean, Bill & Mo Maynor DeMott, Keith & Stacy Mandel Palagye, Tiffany & Co, Rocco’s Tacos, Diane Jehle, Robert Needle, Brenda & Harold Ray, FHE Health, Retreat Behavioral Health, and Jupiter Magazine.
Park Miller, Patty Dean, Women’s Program Director, Carolyn Emmons, and Men’s Program Director, Dennis Langbein – Photography, Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART
In attendance were Chairman Bishop Harold Calvin Ray; Dave Aronberg, State Attorney for Palm Beach County; Alan Johnson, Chief Assistant State Attorney for Palm Beach County; Advisory Board member and retired Deputy Chief Mike Gauger; Travis Husk of Tiffany & Co.; Janice Palmer of Graff; John Hulick, Senior Program Manager for Palm Beach County Community Services, also known as the Palm Beach County “Drug Czar”; board member Park Miller and Patty Dean; board member Bill DeMott and Mo Maynor DeMott.
CARP Board President Kelly V. Landers thanked sponsors, committee members, donors, and other stakeholders who were quite generous throughout the pandemic — even with the absence of live (i.e., in-person) events. Funds raised through the Annual Spring Luncheon will support the CARP Residential Programs for Recovery, which provide treatment for the economically vulnerable.
Kelly V. Landers, CARP Board President, and Joe Cannon, CARP Advisory Board – Photography, Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART
“We’re delighted to have Kelly McGillis join our community to share her story. We trust her presence will strengthen the bonds of fellowship and family that unite us, and offer hope to those in need” says Kelly V. Landers, President of the Board of Directors: “Although the acute phase of COVID has ended, our work within the community – to help economically vulnerable alcoholics and addicts – has just begun.”
About CARP (Comprehensive Alcoholism Rehabilitation Programs), Inc.
Founded in 1972, CARP has resumed its original mission — to serve homeless and indigent individuals with substance use disorder. CARP residences use an abstinence-based 12-step recovery model proven to be effective against addiction, with 24-hour supervision. More information is available at: carpinc.org.
