More than 800 people attend Rosecrance Foundation Benefit

Rosecrance celebrated recovery on April 30, 2018, with music and stories of hope and healing, at the 2018 Rosecrance Foundation Benefit.

Classic-rock band America performed for a crowd of more than 800 guests at the event, held Monday, April 30, at Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center. The annual benefit raises funds to support Rosecrance programs and charity care to serve people who need financial assistance for treatment of substance use and mental health disorders.

The benefit also included presentation of The Castle Award, Rosecrance’s pinnacle honor, to Hoichi Kurisu, the landscape designer of the Japanese-inspired healing garden at the Griffin Williamson campus. Rosecrance Health Network President/CEO Philip W. Eaton recognized Kurisu for his support of Rosecrance.

The connection between Rosecrance and Kurisu was formed by John Anderson, a friend of Rosecrance and past Castle Award recipient. As Rosecrance began building its Griffin Williamson campus for adolescents, Anderson looked at his own Japanese garden and realized what a powerful, healing effect nature could have on Rosecrance clients. The Anderson family decided to generously support the Rosecrance healing garden project and introduced Rosecrance to Kurisu, designer of the Anderson Japanese Gardens as well.

“In the Rosecrance Griffin Williamson healing garden project, Hoichi embraced the spirit of recovery with elements inviting clients and guests to become immersed in the garden,” said Rosecrance Health Network President/CEO Phil Eaton. “The garden sets the tone for the healing spirit of the building and the programs that are carried out in the building. It is an inspiration and motivator to all who see and feel its presence.”

The annual benefit is Rosecrance’s primary fundraiser. A theme of the evening was “Seeds of Hope,” a symbolic reference to the healing garden and the services Rosecrance provides for the clients and communities it serves. Attendees enjoyed powerful videos from three Rosecrance alumni who shared their tragedies, triumphs and Rosecrance journeys to healing and health.

Proceeds from the event support Rosecrance programs and The Kinley Fund, which has provided nearly $8 million to help families since the fund was established in 1984. Last year, The Rosecrance Foundation provided funds that helped nearly 700 families with the cost of treatment and supported programs across the agency.

“Every day I see the ongoing and growing need for treatment services, which makes me so proud and humbled to be part of this organization. I am delighted as I look out at this room full of so many friends who have generously supported the mission of Rosecrance,” said Paula Carynski, chair of Rosecrance Health network Board of Directors.

Carynski adds, “You make it possible for us to offer help, hope and the best opportunity for lasting recovery to children, teens, adults and families who so desperately need the substance abuse and mental health services we provide.”