In honor of the 25th National Recovery Month, The DARC (Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counseling) Club at Gateway Community College hosted its largest-to-date DARC Recovery Fair on September 30. This year’s theme was “Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out.” A number of agencies and vendors participated in the event including The APT Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness and Advocacy Unlimited. Other festivities included a poetry reading and live music.

Recovery month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery of mental and substance abuse disorders. DARC Club advisor Kathleen Callahan stated, “The DARC Club hopes this event will raise awareness of the benefit of treatment and proper behavioral healthcare.”

Special guest Don Fertman, chief development officer for Subway Franchise World Headquarters, made a moving speech to a full house. A recovering alcoholic, Fertman took his last drink on June 6, 1983. He spoke openly about his journey to recovery. Fertman was featured on the CBS TV show “Undercover Boss” twice, publicly discussing his battle with alcoholism in an effort to inspire others on to sobriety. Fertman founded Recovery Branches (www.recoverybranches.org) to help others struggling with addiction to find avenues to recovery.

The fair was generously catered by Subway Sandwich Shops, courtesy of Don Fertman.