Support addiction recovery—register now for the Giving Restoration Luncheon at The Club May 18

Sponsored

Bruce Pearl
Head Coach Bruce Pearl will speak at the Giving Restoration Lunch May 18 at The Club. (Bruce Pearl)

Written by Ashton Ray

You deserve to experience an above-average lunch break, and the Giving Restoration Luncheon on May 18 offers just that. The Will Bright Foundation is hosting a luncheon with special guest Auburn’s Head Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl, and you’re invited. 

About the Will Bright Foundation

Will Bright Foundation, Giving Restoration Luncheon
Lisa and Will Bright. (Will Bright Foundation)

The Will Bright Foundation was established in memory of Will Bright, a kind young man and friend to all who died of a heroin overdose at the age of 25. The foundation aims to help young men transition from the “bubble” of addiction recovery back into the real world. By attending or hosting this luncheon, you‘ll have the chance to be a part of their story.

Know before you go

Bill and Lisa Bright, Will Bright Foundation, Giving Restoration Luncheon
Bill + Lisa Bright founded the Will Bright Foundation in honor of their late son Will. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

1. Hear from Auburn’s Head Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl at the Giving Restoration Luncheon

Bruce Pearl, Will Bright Foundation, Giving Restoration Luncheon
Bruce Pearl, Head Basketball Coach, Auburn University (Shanna Lockwood/AU Athletics)

Bruce Pearl will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon. We asked him to tell us a bit more about his connection to this topic. Here’s what he said:

“Addiction is real. It’s everywhere and affects all of us. I am proud to say that my youngest son is a recovering alcoholic, who has spent time in a number of facilities, receiving help to understand his condition and addiction—love, support, education, understanding and finding a way to survive the complexities and challenges of life. Our children are our greatest treasure.

Life can be so wonderful, but it can also be so painful. That’s what makes the joy so joyful—oftentimes, the pain you have to go through. The challenge? How to navigate without relying on different substances to help you cope and get through life. These are real problems that many people from all walks of life face. Making that transition and helping people make that transition is important work. That’s why I am very pleased to support and assist the Will Bright Foundation.”

Bruce Pearl, Head Coach, Auburn Basketball

2. Help men going through addiction recovery land on their feet 

Restoration Springs, Will Bright Foundation, Giving Restoration Luncheon
Restoration Springs. (Will Bright Foundation)

A major operation of the Will Bright Foundation is Restoration Springs. It provides a next step for men needing a place to land after their stay in recovery by providing housing, counseling, job readiness training and job placement.

Mike Bailey, a member of the foundation’s board and local business owner, lost his daughter to addiction in 2016. He told us that while his daughter did well in rehab, it was the transition out of it that always led to relapse. 

“The problem is transitioning out of rehab back into the real world. I wish I’d had this program for my daughter.”

Mike Bailey, Board Member, Will Bright Foundation

3. Attend the Giving Restoration Luncheon either with a group or solo

While individual tickets are $200, you have the opportunity to sponsor the Will Bright Foundation by becoming a platinum, gold, silver or bronze sponsor. Every sponsorship level includes a reserved table for 10 people.  Learn more sponsorships here.

4. Be a part of the Will Bright Foundation’s Story and further support his legacy

Will Bright Foundation
Lisa Bright and Janice Rodgers. (Will Bright Foundation)

We spoke to Janice Rodgers, local anchor for WBRC Fox 6 Good Day Alabama. Here’s what she said:

“Born out of the grief of loving Parents, the Will Bright foundation’s goal is to help make recovering addicts feel whole—to know they have a purpose. Without this facility so many more lives would have or will have been lost to drugs. The Will Bright Foundation is literally saving lives.” 

5. Make a difference, and meet Coach Pearl, on your lunch break

The platinum and gold sponsorship levels include a lot of perks, including a VIP meet-and-greet with Coach Bruce Pearl. This will turn your normal Thursday lunch break into something you can tell your friends about while learning how to help young men make the successful transition from recovery back to everyday life.

Follow the Will Bright Foundation on Instagram and Facebook and purchase your tickets to this incredible luncheon here.

Sponsored by:

Sharron Swain
Sharron Swain

Writer, Interviewer + Adventurer | Telling stories to make a difference

Articles: 793