Liberation Programs Spirit Of Hope Benefit Recognizes Heroes And Rejuvenates Lives Tuesday, June 3

May 30, 2008 - PRLog -- Substance abuse crosses all boundaries and touches all lives – affecting the wealthy, the poor, the young and the old -- no one is immune. We all hope that we never have to face the destruction caused by addiction, but the reality is that at some point, someone we know will face that challenge.  Liberation Programs, Inc. offers hope for those struggling with addiction.  On Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at the Hilton Stamford Hotel, One First Stamford Place, in Stamford, Connecticut, Liberation Programs will present long-time friends to the organization, Louis and Virginia Bantle with the “Spirit of Hope” award. As Liberation Programs’ first major event, the “Spirit of Hope Benefit” will encourage more to join the Bantles as they support the agency’s plans to expand and enhance services to pregnant women and mothers who have a history of substance abuse/dependency and are at risk for chronic homelessness.  Tickets for the event are $150 per person and sponsorship levels range from $1,500 to $10,000. Tickets are available by calling 203-851-2077 ext. 1162, or emailing maryann.oertel@liberationprograms.org.

Lou Bantle, age 79, former CEO of U.S. Tobacco (now UST), grappled with alcoholism during the height of his career and has since conquered the disease.  Since that time, he has spent the past 30+ years helping others in their struggle with addiction.  The Liberation Programs’ Spirit of Hope award will be presented to Lou and Gini Bantle on June 3rd by long-time friend Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson, a former NFL linebacker who played in three Super Bowls, and who himself is a recovering addict.  Henderson now travels the world trying to help others face and fight their addictions.  

“It is rare that one has the opportunity to honor two individuals whose dedication to community service, commitment to improving the lives of others, and courage to bare their own personal struggles have served as an inspiration for so many,” noted Alan Mathis, president and CEO of Liberation Programs.  Mathis went on to say that, “Lou and Gini Bantle, as spokespersons, crusaders, and individuals suffering the agonies of this difficult physical and emotional challenge, have left an indelible mark on us all, and for that we are grateful.  It is an honor to present Lou and Gini Bantle with the first ever ‘Spirit of Hope’ award.”

In addition, Liz Murray, the subject of the award-winning movie “From Homeless to Harvard” will be the special guest speaker.  The June 3rd Spirit of Hope benefit will be a celebration with inspiring people and their remarkable stories.   Liz Murray, will tell the story of how she triumphed over adversity with her stunning example of dreaming “big.”  Liz is the child of cocaine-addicted parents from the Bronx.  Amidst this pain, Liz always imagined her life to be better.  Determined to take charge of her life, Liz finished high school in just two years, attended Columbia University and is currently completing her degree at Harvard.

Liberation Programs empowers individuals and their families to be free of the disease of addiction by providing targeted solutions that restore lives and strengthen our community. Reaching more than 12,000 clients annually Liberation Programs is recognized as one of Connecticut’s most comprehensive, accredited, cutting-edge addiction treatment and prevention organizations.

Liberation Programs is encouraging communities in Fairfield County to partner with the agency in delivering solutions to combat any further spread of the disease of addiction.  Co-chairs of the June 3rd Spirit of Hope benefit dinner are Allison (Icy) and L. Scott Frantz; honorary co-chairs are Robert Bantle and Terri Bantle Walker.  For more information on the Spirit of Hope dinner on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, or on Liberation Programs, visit the website at www.liberationprograms.org, call 203-851-2077 ext. 1162, or email maryann.oertel@liberationprograms.org.

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