Serenity Ball in February to benefit Groton agencies fighting substance abuse

December 24, 2019 11:00 pm • Last Updated: December 26, 2019 7:52 pm

By Karen Florin
Managing Editor

Groton — Organizations that work to prevent substance abuse and help those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol are planning a night of dinner and dancing that promises to eclipse last year's inaugural fundraising event.

Serenity Ball: A Night Under the Stars is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Mystic Marriott. Tickets are $65 for individuals or $500 for a table of 10, and are available at www.serenityball.com, by emailing serenityball3@gmail.com or calling Annette Eldridge at (860) 856-5655.

The event is the second collaborative effort of Community of Hope Inc., Community Speaks Out and the Groton Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, or GASP. Last year's event was called the Emerald Ball. The event planners are hoping 600 guests will attend, and said the proceeds would be used to continue their work.

Television personality Scott Haney from WFSB will emcee the Serenity Ball, which will include a silent auction and a video presentation with program updates.

Tammy de la Cruz, president and co-founder of the grassroots group Community Speaks Out, said the group is changing the name of its Angel award, given to those who have worked hard to bring the issue of addiction to light and help those who are afflicted, to the Allen Selserman Award to honor Selserman, who died Nov. 22. Selserman, whose 22-year-old son Jordan died from an overdose in 2008, had become a key member of Community Speaks Out, training people on using naloxone to reverse overdoses, sending words of love and encouragement to those who were suffering and even getting a Community Speaks Out tattoo.

"He still grieved, but he surrendered his grief to Community Speaks Out and was able to find some solace," de la Cruz said. "He found his healing in others and he saved lives."

De la Cruz said the three Groton groups have different approaches but a common goal. Community Speaks Out works to help families navigate treatment options, presents educational forums at schools and community events, holds a monthly support group meeting at the Groton Public Library, hosts sober events and works to ensure sober houses are safe.

Community of Hope is a faith-based nonprofit that runs a residential home for women, called Hope House, and works with clients to secure employment, find housing and live independently as they heal themselves and move forward.

GASP, a 20-year-old organization, works to prevent drug use by focusing on youth education and healthy decision-making.

"We know if people can delay any substance abuse until age 21, their chance for addiction is cut dramatically," GASP Coalition Coordinator Carolyn Wilson said. "We do the best we can to get information out to young people and their caretakers."

GASP is hoping to raise funds for additional prevention projects, such as Drug and Alcohol Facts Week in March and National Prevention Week in May.

The groups are inviting nonprofit organizations to set up outreach tables in the lobby, with a suggested donation of $50. Supporters also can purchase a metal star for $50, which will be personalized and displayed during the event in dedication of loved ones who have died or are in recovery.

k.florin@theday.com