Dallas 24 Hour Club welcomed 200 guests to its second annual Tea for Recovery, co-chaired by Dr. M. Joan Terry and her daughter Rev. Tiffany Wright, on Thursday, May 4, at the Dallas Woman’s Forum. The event benefitted Residents of Dallas 24 Hour Club, which has been providing transitional living, support services, and essential life skills for homeless alcoholics and addicts, so they can embrace long-term sobriety and become contributing and self-supporting members of the community since 1969.
The idea of Tea for Recovery was brewed in 2022 as a way to blend a love of high tea and a passion for the mission of Dallas 24 Hour Club. Dr. M. Joan Terry and her daughter, Rev. Tiffany Wright, knew the mission of Dallas 24 Hour Club was one they wanted to support after having a loved one come through the program. Tea for Recovery is now an annual event that creates a charmingly unique way to support the Residents of Dallas 24 Hour Club.
This year’s Tea for Recovery kicked off with Dr. Terry and Rev. Wright welcoming attendees, followed an inspiring invocation by Rev. Wright. With concurrent programs on two levels in the historic Alexander Mansion, Marsha Williamson, CEO of Dallas 24 Hour Club, kicked off the program on the first floor and shared more about The 24 and its programs.
Marsha shared that in 2022, The 24 helped over 600 individuals get off the streets, find employment, reconnect with family members and embrace Recovery, all with a 31% success rate. She shared that one of her favorite parts of the work done at The 24 is reconnecting Residents with their loved ones and seeing them embrace a healthy, sober relationship together. Marsha noted that addiction affects not only the individual, but all of their family and friends as well, so it's an absolute joy for everyone at The 24 to see families reunite.
Marsha then introduced alumna Stephanie Crawford, who shared her experience about the programs and support offered by The 24 and how this impacted her life. Stephanie spoke about the vulnerability of being a homeless woman and how her life changed the moment she stepped foot in Dallas 24 Hour Club seven years ago. During her moving testimony, Stephanie expressed her gratitude to Marsha and The 24 for helping her reunite with her daughter and find peace in her life.
Simultaneously on the second level, Dallas 24 Hour Club Development Director Adrienne Santaularia welcomed the audience and shared a similar message about The 24 and its success in our community. She then invited Valerie Niebrand to share her testimony about her experience going through the program and her life now.
During the powerful testimonials from these former Residents, guests enjoyed an elegant luncheon featuring of a variety of tea sandwiches and quiche, along with delicious deserts. This year’s culinary team included Chef Jason Martin, Chef Shon Johnson-Tripp, Chef Eric Dreyer, and Terry Kranz.
Thanks to a generous supporter and friend of The 24 who underwrote the event expenses for Tea for Recovery, 100% of the monies raised will directly support The 24's mission of supporting its Residents. Along with fundraising success, Tea for Recovery provided an opportunity for the female Residents who were in attendance to enjoy fellowship with The 24's family-like community and have sober fun! Prior to the event, the women were treated with a gift card to shop for tea attire at Ross Dress, so they could step into the event in style!
This year’s sponsors included:
Earl Grey Presenting Sponsor: A Friend and Supporter of The 24
Orange Blossom Sponsors: Lauren Adler & Colbie Brazell Campbell; American National Bank of Texas; Anonymous; Brandy Baxter-Thompson; Burning Tree Programs; Dallas Mavericks;
Holly Greef; Grinke Stewart Law, PLLC; Guaranty Bank and Trust; Greg & Maggie Hatfield; Dr. Maureen Jamieson-Quilling; Carrie Pickell; Betsy Rector; The Reynolds Family; Alliance Bank of Rockwall; Chuck & M.J. Stahl; Dr. M. Joan Terry & Reverends Alan & Tiffany Wright
Ginger Tea Sponsors: Lauren Sahliyeh; Texas Instruments Foundation
Hibiscus Tea Sponsors: Origins Behavioral Healthcare; KDC Real Estate Development & Investments
Event Supporters: Ben E. Keith Company; Cavallini Coffee & Tea; Laurie Connell; Jennifer Grant; Denise Knitch, D.J Joel Morris, and Trader Joe’s.
The 2023 Tea for Recovery host committee was comprised of Libby Albritton, Lauren Adler, Brady Baxter-Thompson, Colbie Brazell Campbell, Tracie Frazier, Dr. Maureen Jamieson-Quilling, and Laura Sahliyeh.