The nonprofit organization, A Promise to Jordan, will host its first "Awesome AF Dinner" fundraiser on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Soma Grille in Simsbury. This event will indeed be a great time, but, in this case, the AF stands for Alcohol-Free, as a four-course meal will be paired with non-alcoholic wines and mocktails.
"These days, lots of people are looking for an alternative to the typical wine dinners offered," said Lisa Gray, Founder and Executive Director of A Promise to Jordan. "Our nonprofit works to combat substance use disorders and, often, events revolve around alcohol consumption. We wanted to offer a fun event for those people looking to cut back on consumption for any reason, as well as support those in recovery."
The event will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 in the lower-level banquet area of the restaurant, located at 731 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. Any COVID-related restrictions still in place at the time will be strictly followed. In addition to dinner and drinks, guests can look forward to a silent and live auction, raffle prizes, and games.
Tickets are just $60 per person, or a VIP table for eight can be reserved for $500 and the purchaser will receive priority table placement and their name on the table.
The organization is also accepting auction and raffle donations such as gift cards, gift baskets, decor items, jewelry and fashion or gourmet treats, and can pick them up, according to Gray.
Proceeds will benefit the organization that is dedicated to raising awareness about substance use disorders, eliminating the stigma associated with them, assisting people in accessing quality care, and giving hope to those struggling with addiction and their families that recovery is possible. Gray created A Promise to Jordan after losing her then 24-year-old son, Jordan Arakelian, to an accidental overdose in 2018.
Also this holiday season, a holiday toy drive will supply gifts for individuals in residential treatment to give to their children when they come to visit.
About A Promise to Jordan
A Promise to Jordan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit named for Jordan Arakelian who died from an accidental opioid overdose on June 30, 2018 at the age of 24. Founded by his mother, Lisa Gray, the mission of A Promise to Jordan is to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma of substance use disorders, assist people in accessing quality care, and give hope that recovery is possible to those struggling with substance use disorders. Visit apromisetojordan.org for information and resources, or call (860) 390-1391.