Gateway Foundation's Illuminating Wellness Event Addressed Addiction Through Humor

More than 200 civic leaders, behavioral health professionals, donors, and alumni living in recovery shared in moments of remembrance and recognition, as well as some levity, at Gateway Foundation's annual benefit held on May 26, 2022 at the Chicago History Museum. The 2022 Illuminating Wellness Luncheon raised awareness and funds that will help Gateway Foundation continue providing addiction treatment programs across the state.

"Today, 1 in 10 U.S. adults suffers from a substance use disorder and we have hit the highest number of overdose deaths ever in history," shared Marc C. Turner, Interim CEO. "Our services are needed now more than ever before and we continue to celebrate the hard work of those in their recovery, as well as Gateway's staff for their stoic efforts to help everyone seeking recovery treatment."

The luncheon was emceed by comedian John Lehr - most known for being the Geico "caveman.' Lehr, 26+ years sober, gave attendees a taste of his "cold sober comedy.' Though Lehr tries to bring a lighter side to this important topic with his talent, the comedic actor takes recovery seriously. "Quitting drugs and alcohol is hard," Lehr said. "But it's also hard to be sober and still maintain a good sense of humor."

At the event, Gateway Foundation recognized two Illinois legislators - Senate President Don Harmon (36th Dist. - Oak Park) and Rep. Barbara Hernandez (83rd Dist. - Aurora) were honored with the Blaze Advocacy Award - advocating for equitable, accessible substance use disorder and mental health treatment.

Local activists Gaylen (past Gateway Foundation board member) and Joanne Larson, of Barrington, IL, were honored posthumously with the Incandescence Humanitarian Award for their transformative legacy gift that will launch the Lake Villa Wellness Center. Their three children with their spouses, and four of their grandchildren were in attendance to accept the award.

Gateway Foundation is the country's largest nonprofit treatment provider for adults specializing in substance use disorder treatment with co-occurring mental health disorders. For over 50 years, Gateway Foundation's professional clinicians helped one million families recover from substance use disorders by developing personalized plans to treat the underlying causes of their addiction.