By Amy Woods
A reality TV star, recovering addict and author of a self-help book about overcoming alcohol and drug abuse will headline Wayside House’s “An Evening of Reflection” on Nov. 9.
Capt. Sandy Yawn, who takes the helm in Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean and who penned the 232-page book Be the Calm or Be the Storm: Leadership Lessons from a Woman at the Helm, was selected as keynote speaker for the annual fundraiser benefiting the nonprofit women’s treatment center in Delray Beach.
Yawn, an internationally known leadership figure, has been sober for 34 years.
“She will share her background in a family contending with generational abuse,” said Kathryn Leonard, Wayside House’s board president. “A lot of what we try to do here is stop the cycle. We work with children of recovering women and show them how to deal with it. We show them there is another way, that you do not have to go down that path.”
The fundraiser at Indian Spring Country Club in Boynton Beach rings in the 50th anniversary of the opening of the facility. Founded in 1974 by Susan B. Anthony, great-niece and namesake of the suffragette, Wayside House has a 28-bed residential program, a partial hospitalization program and an equine therapy program, among other services.
“What sets Wayside apart from other centers is that it’s women only,” Leonard said. “Women have different issues than men. It’s all the same disease, but I think for women, we feel more guilt and shame than men.”
A former client who has 32 years of sobriety, Leonard turned to Wayside House because she could not stop drinking.
“I didn’t know what to do,” Leonard said. “I checked in for four months, and I have not had a desire to drink since then.”
Aronberg to be honored
The event will also honor Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg for working to stem the opioid crisis and for creating the Sober Homes Task Force. Additionally, a video will be shown spotlighting two incredible success stories. An alumna will be seated at every table to answer questions and offer information. More than 300 people are expected to attend.
“We would like to grow,” Leonard said. “There are very few nonprofits in Palm Beach County for women. Our goal is to help as many women who want help — and be there for them.”
If You Go
What: Wayside House’s ’An Evening of Reflection’
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 9
Where: Indian Spring Country Club, 11501 El Clair Ranch Road, Boynton Beach
Cost: $225
Information: 561-278-0055 or waysidehouse.net
Comments