AVON: 2nd Annual Awesome AF Dinner To Benefit Substance Use Awareness

AVON (HARTFORD COUNTY) CT: The nonprofit organization, A Promise to Jordan, will host its second annual "Awesome AF Dinner" fundraiser on Friday, November 18, 2022 at Avon Old Farms Hotel. 

"We are thrilled to offer an alternative to the typical wine dinner many nonprofits offer as fundraisers since our organization is committed to fighting substance use disorders," said Lisa Gray, Founder and Executive Director of A Promise to Jordan. "Guests will enjoy a fabulous four-course meal prepared by the chefs at Avon Old Farms Hotel, and each course will be paired with a specialty non-alcoholic wine or mocktail."

The event will take place from 6:30 to 10:00 in the banquet area of the hotel, located at 279 Avon Mountain Road (Route 44), in Avon. In addition to dinner and drinks, guests can look forward to a silent and live auction, raffle prizes, and games.

Tickets are just $65 per person, or a VIP table for eight can be reserved for $525 and the purchaser will receive priority table placement and their name on the table.

"We are also accepting auction and raffle donations such as gift cards, gift baskets, decor items, jewelry and fashion or gourmet treats. We'll even pick them up!" said Gray.

Proceeds will benefit the organization that is dedicated to raising awareness about substance use disorders, eliminating the stigma associated with them, assisting people in accessing quality care, and giving hope to those struggling with addiction and their families that recovery is possible. Gray created A Promise to Jordan after losing her then 24-year-old son, Jordan Arakelian, to an accidental overdose in 2018.

"November 18 is actually a special day for us because it's Jordan's birthday," explained Gray. "He would have turned 29 this year, so we're celebrating in a big way."

In addition to community educational programs, A Promise to Jordan hosts NARCAN and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trainings designed to save the lives of overdose victims and those contemplating suicide, and, next month, they will host Simsbury's first recovery-friendly festival, Simsbury Untapped, on Sunday, September 25 at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center.

This holiday season, a holiday toy drive will supply gifts for individuals in residential treatment to give to their children when they come to visit.

About A Promise to Jordan

A Promise to Jordan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit named for Jordan Arakelian who died from an accidental opioid overdose on June 30, 2018 at the age of 24. Founded by his mother, Lisa Gray, the mission of A Promise to Jordan is to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma of substance use disorders, 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: Andrea Atcherson of Simsbury, Lynn Kelley, Board Member of A Promise to Jordan and Recovery Network Manager at Beacon Health Options support Lisa Gray, Executive Director of A Promise to Jordan, by attending the inaugural Awesome AF Dinner. Last year's sold-out event raised more than $10,000 for the nonprofit, which hopes to replicate the success at this year's event hosted by Avon Old Farms Hotel on November 18, 2022.