The Think of Michael Foundation (TOM) will host its fourth Annual Trivia night on Friday, May 19 at a new venue — the Four Points by Sheraton in Wakefield.
Since its inception, the event had been held at Breakaway in Danvers, which closed during the pandemic.
TOM President Carmela Dalton said “she is grateful to the Breakaway’s owner and staff for all they had done for us in the past. But we are excited to have a new venue that is larger and specifically designed for accommodating large functions such as ours.”
Back by popular demand as guest auctioneer is TV and radio personality Billy Costa.
“We are delighted that Billy will once again be our guest auctioneer. He’s such a pro and is such a big part of our success. And this is one event that the one-time Lynnfield resident truly enjoys as he has an opportunity to mingle with old acquaintances,” Dalton said.
TOM is a registered 501c(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping individuals who are struggling with substance use disorder and their families.
Dalton, her husband Dick, and their children Stacey and Jamie established the foundation in June of 2019 after the couple’s 39-year-old son Michael died in 2018 from an opiate overdose while in outpatient treatment.
The foundation provides aid to recovering addicts to pay for sober house living expenses following treatment. Sober house living, while a critical component of the recovery phase, is not covered by insurance. TOM provides scholarship assistance ranging from $500-$900 to help defray the cost of housing for recovering addicts as they transition from rehabilitation to the real world. The foundation also works with other nonprofits to help families struggling with substance use disorder.
The event typically attracts upwards of 500 people and, once again, the foundation is expecting a sellout. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ma–wakefield/think-of-michael/.
General admission is $30. Trivia admission tickets are $50. Tables of 10 can be purchased for $500. The evening features a complimentary buffet dinner and cash bar.
Sponsorship opportunities are available ranging from $200-$5,000.
“All donations, regardless of value, whether it be money, raffle prizes, silent auction items, or gift baskets are very much appreciated,” Carmela said.
Information regarding sponsorships is available at www.thinkofmichael.org or by contacting Carmela at cmdalton@thinkofmichael.org.
Everett Bank will be the premier sponsor of the 2023 Trivia Night.
“For us, community is everything. We are a proud local institution and never forget where we’re from. Giving back to the communities that have given us so much is at the heart of everything we do. The Everett Cooperative Bank Charitable Foundation is proud to be the premiere sponsor of this event,” Everett Bank President and CEO Richard O’Neil stated. “Unfortunately, substance use disorder (SUD) affects so many individuals and families within the communities that we serve. Our support of the Think of Michael Foundation reflects our support for their mission to assist individuals and families struggling with SUD.”
