Addiction awareness event in Ellington

On June 10, 2017 the local non profit group, Today I Matter, Inc. will be hosting a
fundraising and addiction awareness event at Brookside Park in Ellington, Ct. Today I Matter
was formed by John and Laura Lally, with the help of their son Brendan and other family
members, in tribute to their son, Timothy who died from a heroin overdose in January 2016 in
Ellington. They are an organization dedicated to reducing the shame and stigma of addiction and
mental illness through education, advocacy, and acceptance. Mr Lally has spoken for the State of
Connecticut Department of Public Health and at numerous local opiate forums. His group also
funds activities that support the physical, emotional , and mental health of the community. This
June, they are giving two $1000.00 scholarships in Ellington to students with a passion for art
and music.

The event at Brookside Park on June 10 will feature representatives from many
Connecticut organizations that educate, support, or offer treatment to those struggling with
mental illness or addiction. Pharmacists will be on site to dispense Narcan. There will be a short
speaker program where those present will hear about personal stories of addiction and recovery,
as well as efforts to combat the current epidemic of overdose deaths.

Through the day, from 10AM to 3PM, there will be a ”100 Inning Whiffleball Marathon"
to raise funds for Today I Matter’s activities. The public is asked to sign up to pledge $100.00 per
team to play an hour of whiffleball. Teams will be matched up according to age and ability.
Families are encouraged to participate as well. There will be volunteers on hand to explain the
easy rules of the game and to help when needed. Teams are encouraged to decorate their team
shirts in honor of someone or some idea that is important to them. A prize will be awarded to the
best team shirts. In addition, for those with a competitive streak, there will be a home run derby
with an entry fee of $10.00. A prize will be awarded to the person with the most home runs over
the fence.

For more information, or to sign up a team, please go to their website todayimatter.org.

They can also be followed on Facebook at Today I Matter.