TOMS RIVER, N.J. - TelAve -- Nearly 2,000 individuals, families, supporters and community partners filled the Seaside Heights boardwalk with a sea of bright yellow on Saturday, September 12, for HOPE Sheds Light's 13th Annual Celebration of HOPE Walk. Under warm, sunny skies, participants gathered for a morning centered on connection, remembrance and recovery. The annual walk provided an opportunity to honor those whose lives have been impacted by substance use disorder, celebrate those in recovery and stand beside families navigating the journey alongside their loved ones.

Throughout the morning, speakers shared powerful personal stories of addiction, loss, healing and recovery. Their moving messages reflected the heart of HOPE Sheds Light's mission and demonstrated the strength that can come from openly sharing experiences, reducing stigma and supporting one another. Before participants made their way down the boardwalk, HSL Board Member Ann Marie Baker cut the event's bright yellow starting line ribbon, officially kicking off the 13th annual walk.

A meaningful moment during this year's event came with the presentation of a $10,000 donation to HOPE Sheds Light, supported by Lithia & Driveway on behalf of an employee representative. The contribution will help HOPE Sheds Light with their future visions campaign and continue providing education, recovery resources and support to individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.

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"The Celebration of HOPE Walk is a reminder of what can happen when people come together with compassion and a shared purpose," said Pamela Capaci, CEO of HOPE Sheds Light. "Seeing nearly 2,000 people on the boardwalk, hearing the stories shared and feeling the support throughout the day was incredibly powerful. Every person who joined us helped show families that there is a community ready to walk beside them."

For 13 years, the Celebration of HOPE Walk has created a space where families can connect, stories can be shared and recovery can be celebrated without judgment. What began as a grassroots movement has grown into an annual tradition that brings together people from throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties and beyond. HOPE Sheds Light was founded from the personal experiences of families affected by substance use disorder. Co-founders Ron Rosetto, Stephen Willis and Arvo Prima transformed their families' experiences with addiction and loss into a commitment to helping others find the resources, understanding and support they once searched for themselves.

Today, HOPE Sheds Light continues that work through peer recovery support, family programs, wellness initiatives, education and community outreach. Its mission is to raise awareness and educate individuals, families and the community about the impact of addiction while offering strength, wisdom, hope and resources that lead to positive community change and long-term recovery.

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The 13th Annual Celebration of HOPE Walk served as a powerful reflection of that mission, with nearly 2,000 people taking each step together toward a community where recovery is supported, families can heal and hope continues to grow.

To learn more about HOPE Sheds Light, support its mission, make a donation or explore recovery programs, family resources and upcoming events, visit hopeshedslight.org (https://hopeshedslight.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

About HOPE Sheds Light, Inc.

HOPE Sheds Light, Inc. is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 46-3910504) that is supported by friends and families directly affected by substance use disorder and found recovery through continuous love, support and understanding. The mission of HSL is to raise awareness and educate individuals, families and the community about the impact of substance use disorder by having the courage to share personal experiences and offer strength, wisdom, hope and resources that lead to positive community change and long-term recovery. To learn more or to donate, please visit http://www.HOPEShedsLight.org.