Courtesy Bee Family/Matthew Bee
LINWOOD – The second annual Mocktails and Cocktails event will take place Friday, Nov. 30 at Linwood Country Club. Proceeds from the event benefit the Matthew Bee Memorial Fund in its mission to support men and women suffering from addiction.
Matthew Bee was a gifted athlete whose charm, infectious smile and endearing personality made him beloved by all who knew him. Tragically, he succumbed to the disease of addiction on Sept.16, 2017. To honor his memory, and to help other individuals and families fighting this disease, his family created the memorial fund and decided to dedicate the funds raised to the Hansen Foundation.
The inaugural Mocktails and Cocktails event in 2017 raised $51,808, and brought the total fund contributions to more than $96,000. To date, 70 Matthew Bee Memorial scholarships totaling $42,000 have been awarded to individuals in recovery. Additional scholarships have been awarded for detox treatment and allowed Angels in Motion to supply Blessing Bags to the homeless population in Atlantic City.
“In dealing with our grief, it has given us a source of peace and comfort knowing that Matthew’s memory is being honored in such a meaningful way,” said Matthew’s mother, Lisa Bee. “Through Matthew’s Memorial Fund we are helping people to access potentially life saving care and treatment resources, which will profoundly impact their lives and the lives of their families dealing with the heartbreak of addiction.”
The Hansen Foundation was established in 2001 for the purpose of raising and distributing funds to help those recovering from addiction. After Jennifer Hansen’s personal struggle with her own addiction and recovery, the Hansen family supported Jennifer’s passion to help as many people as she could by opening her own facility so individuals had a place to go when they needed help. Their mission is to assist those in need to access substance abuse treatment and provide sober living.
Since 2001, the Hansen Foundation has opened and operated six Serenity Houses with a total of 75-bed capacity for extended care recovery in Atlantic County. The residents are provided with the tools and skills to sustain successful independent lives while in recovery. The Hansen Foundation has also opened three Serenity Estates houses with a 35-bed capacity, which provides luxury living to clients who are currently in treatment.
In 2016, the foundation established Hope Farm to provide equine therapy, job training, organic food production and sustainable food practices. Located in Galloway Township, Hope Farm provides support services to the handicapped, as well as individuals who are in recovery with substance abuse disorder. Hope Farm also offers EAGLA, STEM activities for school groups, At Risk Youth program and a volunteer program for the community.
In 2017, the Foundation opened Enlightened Café in Ventnor. In addition to featuring a locally grown, organic menu, Enlightened Café is also home to live music, poetry and special events; family support groups; 12-step meetings for recovering addicts; community yoga and meditation classes; and job training. All profits from Enlightened Café are used for scholarships for those who cannot afford treatment.
The fundraising event features appetizers and light fare, complimentary mocktails, cash bar and numerous raffle prizes, as well as entertainment by Tom and Kim Pacitti, along with special guests. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Every dollar raised goes directly to assist those in need. Tickets may be purchased at mjbmf.org.
For more information, including information about sponsorship opportunities, call the Hansen Foundation at 609-270-444 or visit hansenfoundationnj.org.
