-Christopher Kennedy Lawford is the featured speaker at this year’s Circle of Hope dinner Monday; 572-9303.-

 

Tom Alvarez, director of development for Fairbanks, says, “We want to raise awareness with Fairbanks about the issues with chemical dependency, break down the stigma of the disease, and show the public recovery is possible. The money we raise goes to patient assistance to take care of anyone who comes to our door.”

Lawford, the keynote speaker, has worked extensively in politics, government, business and Hollywood, but he is also a recovering alcoholic. He has successfully remained sober for more than 18 years and now shares his story with others hoping to make a difference. The theme for Lawford’s speech is “Fame, Wealth and Power: The Fallout and Then Recovery.”

Alvarez is pleased to have Lawford speaking at the event. “His high profile and background will reinforce the idea that recovery is possible from drug and alcohol dependency. He is a role model for all people who are struggling now.”

Along with Christopher Kennedy Lawford, Dr. Ting-Kai Li, the director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, is being presented with the Circle of Hope award for his contributions to alcohol research and its affect on the human body.

The event is being held downtown at the Marriott Hotel Ballroom. The reception starts at 6 p.m. and dinner is served at 7 p.m.; the public is welcome to attend. Tickets are $125. For more information call 572-9303 or log on to www.fairbankscd.org.