My favorite part of writing this column for the last two-and-a-half years has been getting to know the many wonderful people and organizations we have here in our community.

Early on in my columnist tenure, I had the privilege of making my first connection with a truly remarkable organization which is still very dear to me — Serenity House.

Since its founding in 1985, Serenity House has been a true gem in Addison. It remains the only facility of its kind in DuPage County providing comprehensive substance abuse treatment services to indigent adult men and women. Its services include an impressive array of extended residential care, independent living treatment and outpatient programs.

Great organizations are made of great people, of course, and the Serenity House staff members truly are great people. They work with a sincere, humble diligence that yields extraordinary results. Chief among them would be Henry Tews, the founder of the organization who now serves as its President Emeritus. A very special gala fundraiser evening is being held to pay tribute to Tews and raise funds for Serenity House.
This event will be quite different from the annual Serenity House banquets of years past.

“We realize that a fundraiser evening needs to be fun and engaging so that people want to go. I think this changed format is much needed. With this approach, we’ll reach more people,” said Lisa Snipes, director of development at Serenity House.

The gala will feature a humorous roast of Tews, who is known for his own unique style of humor. According to Serenity House President and CEO David Tews, son of Henry Tews, there was no shortage of people interested in joining the roast.

“People were lining up to sign up to roast him,” he said. “There are a number of people who’ve been on the other side of his humor, and this time he’s going to be the focus. All kinds of supporters of Serenity House are lined up and ready to roast.”

Another highlight of the evening will be featured guest Lester Munson, the popular ESPN sportswriter, TV personality and acclaimed speaker.

It has taken delicate balancing to orchestrate an entertaining fundraiser for an organization that has the very serious mission of assisting those with substance abuse and chemical dependency issues. According to David Tews, this gala has the right formula.

“It promises to be an exciting and extraordinary event,” he said. “It will be our best fundraising event yet, combining the celebration of a great man’s accomplishments with a night of lighthearted fun.”

The event will also be an important vehicle to raise awareness of substance abuse and chemical dependency.

“Ninety percent of the population does not have a problem with alcohol or drugs, according to national statistics. We work with the 10 percent who do have a problem. This 10 percent affects the 90 percent in so many ways, like workplace issues, drunk driving, crime and so on. Even if you think it doesn’t directly affect you, it does. So we need to pull all 100 percent of us together,” said Snipes.

While Serenity House has certainly grown through its 23-year history, continuing its lifesaving work is a real challenge, as funding gets increasingly tighter. Recent budget cuts from state agencies present an enormous obstacle.

“Over the last 18 months, we have lost about $31,000 in funding. How do we recoup that? It is very frustrating because this directly affects lives being saved. We have to find ways to fund our mission, not just tell others about it,” said Snipes.

The Serenity House gala fundraiser should accomplish this nicely. It will be an engaging evening that honors an extraordinary man while also generating awareness and funds for the miraculous organization he founded.

The gala will take place Saturday, May 3, at the Empress Banquets, 200 E. Lake St., with social hour at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. There will be musical entertainment, as well as a special raffle for two Southwest Airlines tickets for travel anywhere in the continental United States. Visit www.serenityhouse.com for more information or to make online reservations. Reservations are $100 per person and are tax deductible, with all proceeds going toward Serenity House’s programs. You can also contact Snipes at (630) 620-6616 Ext. 129.