Strut for Sobriety! celebrates 19 years for A New PATH

The 19th annual Strut for Sobriety! took place on Sept. 9 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. This heartfelt event was presented by A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment and Healing). Guests gathered in the Boutique for some fun shopping with incredible items for sale. Music was played by Stacy Pecore while everyone shopped. Jason Brown entertained the crowd on his saxophone as they retired into the Silver Pearl Ballroom for the luncheon and fashion show. The co-chairs were Liz Crocker and Judy Lawton and the honorary chairs were Jack Missett and Judi Sheppard Missett.

The masters of ceremonies for the afternoon were Geni Cavitt and Rory Devine. They welcomed everyone and announced the guest speaker Liz Rosenthal who talked about her recovery. She went on to get her physical therapist assistant license at San Diego Mesa College. This uplifting speaker left the audience inspired.

Erin Liddell was the auctioneer for the afternoon and really got the crowd in a bidding war for an all-season pass to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing Club. Additional items were a Cancun Paradise Vacation and a two-night stay at the Alisal Ranch in Solvang.

This year, the 2023 Path to Recovery Honorees were pioneer Jeanne McAlister, who is the CEO and founder of McAlister Institute, and Cecil H. Steppe, who is president and CEO of the Urban League of San Diego County since 2001. They were honored for their work in reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorders.

The fashion show and entertainment were presented by Gretchen Productions. Gretchen Bergman specializes in fashion choreography and has been bringing these artistic shows to the public since 1979. Fashions for the show were provided by Macy’s Fashion Valley and several local boutiques. One uplifting segment featured guest models in recovery.

September is National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Strut for Sobriety! coincides with this and raises funds for A New PATH. This nonprofit reduces the stigma of substance use and increases access to quality drug treatment and recovery services. One of their projects includes lifesaving overdose prevention and Narcan distribution. Narcan is a safe drug that can reverse an opioid overdose.

This event marked A New PATH’s 24th year of service to the community and 19 years of Strut for Sobriety! A New PATH can be visited at anewpath.org and momsunited.net.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sept. 17 – “Bridal Bazaar” with fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at the San Diego Convention Center. Two shows will be presented during the day. For more info: 760-334-5500.

Oct. 7 – 37th annual Fur Ball Gala at the San Diego Humane Society. For tickets: https://one.bidpal.net/sdfurball23/ticketing(details:ticketing-summary)

Oct. 7 – Fashion Week San Diego Fall Runway Shows at the Andaz Hotel San Diego at 6 p.m. For more information, visit https://fashionweeksd.com/events/.

Oct. 8 – Fashion Week San Diego Fall trunk event at the Andaz Hotel San Diego. For more information, visit https://fashionweeksd.com/events/.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the San Diego area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.