The Wolfe Street Foundation is hosting its annual Red Carpet Gala as a virtual event this year. This event will be the organization’s 22nd year to host the fundraiser, and virtual guests will be entertained and treated to a number of live performances, speakers and an auction.
Wolfe Street Foundation is a recovery center for people overcoming drug or alcohol addictions. The Center has 250 recovery meetings each month, offers workshops, educational programs and events for people and their families.
Laura Monteverdi, news anchor for KARK, has been on the Wolfe Street Foundation board for several years. “I didn’t really know much about Wolfe Street before I joined, I just knew that they had a passion for helping those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and as someone who lost someone to drug addiction, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this organization,” says Monteverdi.
Monteverdi has become a leader in raising awareness about the opioid epidemic after the passing of her boyfriend, Brock Eidsness, as a result of an overdose in 2015. She turned her grief into a mission to help others with her documentary “Saving a Generation: The New Face of Drug Addiction.”
“Wolfe Street is really wonderful because it’s a safe haven for people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction,” says Monteverdi. “There are also meetings for family members dealing with the loss of a loved one or someone who’s in active addiction at the time.”
The Center is the only Recovery Community Organization (RCO) in the state. “There are people who are in recovery at the moment who can help others who are just like them on the path to recovery,” says Monteverdi. “I knew this was something that I wanted to be involved with because I see the passion and it helps me personally to see people in recovery and to know that recovery is possible.”
In the past, the Red Carpet Gala was a time for attendees to dress their best and enjoy a night out while supporting the efforts of the organization. “Now you can watch from the comfort of your couch! We’re encouraging people to have watch parties and gather with friends that you’re comfortable with during COVID-19. Still dress up if you want to!” says Monteverdi.
The main speaker this year will be Captain Sandy Yawn from Bravo TV’s Below Deck Mediterranean. “Some people may not know she is celebrating 33 years of recovery from an alcohol addiction this year. We’re excited to have her because she’s talking to people who are in recovery or may be dealing with addiction themselves and we’re hoping she can reach someone who may need to hear what she has to say and know that recovery is possible,” says Monteverdi.
Musical guests include Townsend, a local artist from Conway; Jared Blake, a contestant from NBC’s The Voice; and Jim Ranger, runner-up on the most recent season of NBC’s The Voice. “Jared Blake was our guest speaker last year and has an incredible story of recovery. We’re really excited to have him back,” says Monteverdi.
A virtual auction is in the works with many exciting prizes to be won. A few sought-after items include: A five night luxury Montana get-away at Gun Smoke Ranch donated by Buck and Angela Thompson, jewelry items from Sissy’s Log Cabin including a pendant that will be raffled off for a $50 entry fee, a round of golf at Pleasant Valley Country Club, a three hour decluttering session with Whit’s End, facials at Sei Bella Med Spa and Skin Fix Med Spa, a $100 gift certificate to Star of India, and for dog owners, gift cards to Hounds Lounge Pet Resort and Spa.
Bidding on auction items will begin at 10 am on April 22. A link to the bidding page will be posted on the Wolfe Street Facebook page and website. Attendees do not need to purchase a ticket for the Gala, but for $100, there is an option for a virtual ticket that includes a charcuterie board for two and swag bags to be delivered to the guest’s door the night of the event. These tickets are available for purchase until April 23, and donations are always welcome to be made on the website.
“This year might not be as glitz and glam as years past, but we’re hoping to get the same excitement going – and the best part is you can dress up, sit on your couch and just watch right from your computer, TV or phone!”
Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
READ MORE: Bravo Star to Headline 2021 Wolfe Street Foundation Gala
