Palm Beach Insider: Spring Luncheon brings alcoholism, addiction issues into the sunlight
The Four Seasons Resort was the elegant setting for the signature Palm Beach fundraiser to benefit CARP (Comprehensive Alcoholism Rehabilitation Programs).
The Spring Luncheon took place Feb. 17.
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Park Miller and Patty Dean were chairman and chairwoman for the event, which began in The Living Room with a reception where new supporters of CARP mingled with current board members and long-term friends.
Afterward, the crowd moved upstairs to the Royal Poinciana Ballroom for a welcome from the chairs, the Pledge of Allegiance led by board member Xiomara Ordoñez, and an invocation from Bishop Harold Calvin Ray.
During lunch, State Attorney Dave Aronberg discussed the need for groups like CARP to address the issues brought on by the fentanyl crisis. Program directors Dennis Langbein and Carolyn Emmons took to the stage, joined by CARP alumni and current residents, who shared their heartfelt gratitude for CARP and its programs.
The afternoon's highlight was an appearance by television and film actress Meredith Baxter.
Noted for her roles in "Bridget Loves Bernie," (with future husband David Birney) "Family Ties" (with Michael J. Fox) and "Family," (with James Broderick) Baxter spoke frankly about her lifelong battle with alcohol and her journey to discover her authentic self, underscoring the importance of CARP’s mission.
Mark and Karen Luebke were honorary chairman and honorary chairwoman of the afternoon, which was attended by more than 300 people.
Proceeds from the afternoon help fund the growth and management of CARP's men's and women's programs, a key component of CARP's goals. The gender-specific 12-step homes for men and women provide hope to the economically disadvantaged residents of Palm Beach County and facilitate supervised, abstinence-based recovery, at no cost to the clients.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Fundraiser held to benefit alcoholism rehabilitation program
