Alcohol-Free Drinks Are in Demand this Spring

March is the month when Connecticut residents turn their clocks ahead, usher in spring and plan their social calendars for the warmer season. One event that is not be missed is the 2nd Annual Mocktail Tasting, hosted by A Promise to Jordan, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about and eliminating the stigma of substance use disorders. The statewide charity is already planning a power-packed fundraiser on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at Real Art Ways in Hartford, which will bring restaurateurs and bar owners together to showcase their best non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers and compete to be named the best.

“We could not have asked for a better turnout in terms of participating restaurants and attendees for the inaugural debut of our Mocktail Tasting last year,” said Lisa Gray, founder of A Promise to Jordan (APTJ). “Due to popular demand, we have moved the event to the weekend before Memorial Day so that it is accessible to a greater number of people eager to learn how to help someone struggling with addiction, while experiencing some delicious alcohol-free drinks.”

The event, which is a fresh alternative to the typical beer or wine tastings, will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in the art gallery parking lot, located at 56 Arbor Street, barring any COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time. The charitable competition is expected to draw hundreds of guests to taste the mocktails and appetizers, partake of the silent auction and raffles, and enjoy a fun afternoon out. Tickets are $45 and may be purchased at: www.2ndMocktailTasting.eventbrite.com.

Gray notes that there is no fee for restaurants or bars to enter the competition and that the nonprofit organization is covering the cost of their temporary food permits. Several businesses have already committed to participating, including Fork & Fire, Soma Grille, Better Rhodes, an alcohol-free beverage distributor, and Dope Fried Food Truck.

The event is made possible by many generous businesses, including McCall Center for Behavioral Health, Tara Rahmy of Coldwell Banker Realty, and The Village for Families and Children. Custom sponsorship opportunities are available to meet the unique marketing needs of each business, organization or individual by contacting info@apromisetojordan.org.

“We are also accepting auction and raffle donations such as gift cards, gift baskets, home décor, jewelry and fashion items, gourmet treats and tickets to entertainment and travel destinations,” adds Gray. “We raised over $6,000 at last year’s event and, with all of our amazing activities lined up for this year’s function, we know that we will surpass that total!”

Proceeds from the 2nd Annual Mocktail Tasting will directly benefit APTJ, which is dedicated to raising awareness about and eliminating the stigma of addiction, assisting people with accessing quality care, and giving hope that recovery is possible for those struggling with substance use disorders and their loved ones. Gray founded A Promise to Jordan after losing her son, Jordan Arakelian, to an overdose in 2018.

“A Promise to Jordan wants to reach young people before they are in the grips of addiction,” explained Gray. “There is a national mental health crisis going on and, if we can prevent just one family from losing their loved one to a substance use disorder, then our organization has done its job.”

In addition to community educational programs, A Promise to Jordan hosts NARCAN, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and CRAFT trainings, designed to reduce substance use and get individuals into treatment.

Individuals not able to attend the 2nd Annual Mocktail Tasting event on Sunday, May 22, 2022, but eager to donate, may do so by visiting www.apromisetojordan.org.

About A Promise to Jordan
A Promise to Jordan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit named for Jordan Arakelian, a 24-year-old Simsbury resident who died from an accidental overdose on June 30, 2018. Founded by his mother, Lisa Gray, the mission of A Promise to Jordan is to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma of addiction, assist people in accessing quality care and give hope that recovery is possible to those struggling with substance use disorders. Visit apromisetojordan.org for information and resources or call (860) 390-1391.

PHOTO
From left: Dan Millstein, President of the Board of Directors for A Promise to Jordan; Todd Atcherson, Vice President of A Promise to Jordan, and Lisa Gray, Founder and Executive Director of A Promise to Jordan, enjoy the non-profit organization’s first Mocktail Tasting fundraiser on May 13, 2021 at Real Art Ways in Hartford. The event earned more than $6,000 to raise awareness about substance use disorders.