NORWALK, CT — The fourth annual Benefit at Richards to benefit Shatterproof, a national nonprofit committed to helping people with a substance use disorder have access to life-saving treatment, resources and research, took place this week. The event, held at Richards in Greenwich, attracted more than 200 Greenwich, Westport and Westchester-area residents and raised more than $800,000.

At the event, Megan Flanigan and Rick Swift were honored with the Brian Mendell Award of Excellence for their significant impact on those impacted by SUDs. The award is presented annually to individuals with outstanding leadership, dedicated service and influential advocacy to end the addiction epidemic. Substance use in all forms has touched their personal lives. Megan and Rick have been actively involved with Shatterproof since its inception 10 years ago.

Dave Price, journalist and weather forecaster for WNBC-TV, served as the emcee for the evening and Rob Reeder, Shatterproof marathon runner, was the mission speaker. Event co-chairs were Joanie and Maurice Reznik; auction chairs were Doris Arieven, Peggy Weiner and Mary Hoffman; and production chair was Nancy Sloan Alchek.

More than 46 million people ages 12 and older struggle with a SUD. Funding from the event helps ensure trusted guidance and resources to help as many people as possible with navigating the complexities of a SUD, remove systemic and social barriers to recovery and mobilize the country to advocate for change and to end addiction stigma.

Shatterproof supports grassroots efforts to compel state and federal legislators to enact SUD issues, laws and policy reform; provides trustworthy science-based information to prevent, treat and recover from a SUD; shatters the unjust stigma of addiction; and continues to expand Shatterproof Treatment Atlas, a trusted platform to help patients and families find and compare access to quality treatment facilities so they can make informed decisions about care.

For more information about the Benefit, visit www.shatterproof.org/get-involved/events 

To donate to help change addiction treatment in our country, visit shatterproof.org 

Shatterproof will be holding its NYC walk on Saturday, October 28 at Pier 84 to provide a community for those in recovery and those who have lost a loved one. More information can be found at: shatterproofwalk.org