Farmingville, NY – Councilwoman Jane Bonner, a co-sponsor of the Hope Walk for Addiction, has announced that the event raised $35,573 to benefit Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson for the work that they do to help fight drug and alcohol abuse. The walk/rally, held at the Cedar Beach Nature Walk in Mount Sinai, was organized by Bill Reitzig, in memory of his son Billy who tragically passed away from a first time heroin overdose at 25 years young. Pictured left to right are Bill Reitzig; Father Frank Pizzarelli, founder of Hope House Ministries; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Jenna Reitzig and Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker.
“The success of the Hope Walk for Addiction proves that people can make a difference if we join together in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “I want to thank Bill and Father Frank for their strength and commitment to lead the way and to all the residents who came out to show their support.”
The Hope Walk for Addiction, which was attended by nearly 700 people despite inclement weather, was an effort to generate awareness, provide education and raise funds for individuals and families affected by addiction. It featured passionate and knowledgeable speakers, narcan training, self-help experts and community leaders all focused on providing information about addiction recognition, prevention and treatment. According to Mr. Reitzig, “Information and education is everyone’s key to success in dealing with this epidemic. Helping those who suffer from this disease will have enormous benefits to our society in terms of saving lives, improving quality of life and reducing drug-related crime and despair for anyone affected. Rather than bury our heads in the sand, we decided to raise awareness and promote education regarding the opioid epidemic which has a devastating effect on our community.”
Founded in 1980, Hope House Ministries is a bi-county, not-for-profit, community-based ministry dedicated to providing comprehensive and competent residential and counseling assistance to thousands of adolescents, individuals and families in crisis. For more information about Hope House Ministries and to donate, go to www.hhm.org or call 631-473-8796.
Division of Public Information - Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill
Farmingville, NY 11738
Phone: 631-451-6595