Hope Has a Home Award to Highlight Gateway Rehab Annual Gala Ron and Judi Owen to receive prestigious honor

Pittsburgh—Ron and Judi Owen, who channeled their personal grief caused by the loss of a child to addiction into an effort to help others, will receive the Abraham J. Twerski Hope Award at Gateway Rehabilitation Center’s annual Hope Has a Home gala on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the Hilton Pittsburgh. The event will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m. Proceeds from the gala will benefit Gateway’s youth programs.

The mission of the Sarah Kristin Owen Memorial Fund is to benefit children and young women by improving their education, economic, physical, and social well-being with a special focus on their need to live a drug free life. The Foundation is named in honor of the Owens’ daughter Sarah, who lost her battle with drug addiction in 2003 at age 23.

R.O.S.E.S. From Sarah (Recovery or Single-Mother Educational Support) is, said Ron Owen, “a way to channel our grief into something positive by helping those in need. More than 16 million Americans share Sarah’s struggle with substance dependence and abuse. All Sarah needed was one more tomorrow. Through R.O.S.E.S. from Sarah, we hope to give girls and young women the help and encouragement they need to get to that tomorrow.”

Keynote speaker at the gala will be music icon Judy Collins, a recovering alcoholic who also lost a child to alcohol and drug abuse. Collins will discuss the impact of her son’s suicide on her life. She will end her emotional presentation by leading the audience in singing “Amazing Grace.”

The event will be emceed by WTAE-TV news anchors Sally Wiggin and Mike Clark.

Not-for-profit Gateway is western Pennsylvania’s premier provider of prevention services and treatment for adults and youths with alcohol and other drug problems.  More than 9 0,000 individuals and their families have found help at Gateway to escape the grip of addiction, in spite of the great denial in society of its very existence.  It is no small accomplishment, then, that Gateway is recognized nationally as a leader in the field.

The cost to attend is $150 per person; $1,200 for a table of 8.  Visit gatewayrehab.org for information about corporate sponsorship opportunities and event details or call 1-800-472-1177, ext. 1234 for advance reservations. 

“The official registration and financial information of Gateway Rehabilitation Center may be obtained from Gateway (724/378-4461) or from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.  Registration does not imply endorsement.”