$282,000 Raised for Substance Abuse Recovery Efforts

In an overwhelming show of caring, more than 320 NH residents and businesses, along with media support throughout the state, stepped forward in October to answer Common Man Family owner and founder Alex Ray’s $135,000 Challenge for Recovery.

Along with additional matching gifts from the NH Charitable Foundation and Easter Seals Boards of Directors, the community responded to meet the match and raise more than $282,000.

All gifts received will help increase the number of treatment beds by 62 at Easter Seals NH, which has been on the front lines of this battle and is committed to supporting people in need, through substance abuse treatment programs at the Farnum Center in Manchester, and Farnum North in Franklin, according to a press statement.

Renovations to accommodate the additional beds are expected to be completed by February 2016.

With New Hampshire ranking 49th in access to treatment for substance addiction, and heroin use at epidemic proportions, Granite State residents have certainly joined together to respond to the addiction epidemic.

”Many of the 320 gifts received came from family members and loved ones of those who have lost their battle with addiction in memory of their children, siblings, and friends,” said Easter Seals President and CEO Larry Gammon. “In the process of this fundraising effort, we have heard from so many families who have shared their stories of loss, hope, and recovery. It has been a heartwarming and heartbreaking process that cements our commitment to do everything we can to help.”

The Alex Ray Challenge also created more public awareness that there are treatment options available around the state, including the Farnum Center, Farnum North, and others. Easter Seals NH will continue to respond aggressively to the growing statewide need for substance abuse treatment.

“We thank everyone who contributed to this effort,” according to Pamela Dube, a senior director of communications. “Together, we are changing and saving lives.”

To help Easter Seals NH continue to grow treatment and recovery programs, make a gift at easterseals.com/nh or contact Easter Seals Vice President of Major Gifts & Planned Giving Courtney Smith at 603.621.3456 or casmith@eastersealsnh.org.