At A Walk to Remember, a
fundraising dinner for Provoking Hope
Saturday, 36 employees of the addiction
recovery nonprofit raise hand-written
placards, drawing a standing ovation
from the 300 people in attendance at
the Church on the Hill. The placards
cite individuals’ years living with addiction
on one side , and number of days
clean on the other. Funds raised will
help meet the daily needs of Provoking
Hope, with a portion to support a new,
larger location. ”I’m just so proud
of myself,” Rita Hagers, at right, said
through tears. Her 14-year struggle with
addiction began at age 18, when she
was prescribed morphine after a car
accident. Hagers is embraced by Amber
Mudong. The two met while serving
time at the same jail prior to their
recovery, and now share an office.