Standing in the Gap 2025: The Spirit of Service in Recovery
Every once in a while, we come across an event that reminds us why we do what we do. The Standing in the Gap Fundraising Gala, hosted by Recovery Cafe – Valley of the Sun, was one of those powerful moments.
As the Marketing Director of Plugged In Recovery, I had the privilege of attending this incredible evening, not just as a guest but as someone who could contribute through my skills and passion for media.
You can watch the video I made here!
A Night of Purpose & Connection
From the moment I walked into the event, the energy was palpable. The room buzzed with anticipation as guests mingled, sharing stories of triumph and resilience. As I set up my camera and prepared to document the night, I felt a deep sense of gratitude—not just for the opportunity to contribute but for the chance to witness firsthand the unwavering support that exists for individuals in recovery.
I owe a huge thank you to Anthony Eaton, Executive Director of Recovery Cafe – Valley of the Sun, for allowing me to be part of such a meaningful cause. His leadership and dedication to this community are truly inspiring. Through his hard work, the gala became more than just a fundraiser—it became a platform to amplify voices, share experiences, and inspire action.
Capturing Stories & Insights That Matter
One of the most impactful aspects of the night was the opportunity to interview some of Arizona’s most influential leaders. Each conversation reinforced the importance of organizations like Recovery Cafe and the role they play in transforming lives.
I had the privilege of speaking with Matt Orlando, Councilman for the City of Chandler, and Christine Ellis, Vice Mayor of Chandler. Their passion for community service was evident as they spoke about the city’s efforts to support recovery initiatives. Councilman Orlando shared insights into the policies and programs Chandler has put in place to assist those in need, while Vice Mayor Ellis emphasized the importance of community-based support in making lasting changes.
Another highlight was my interview with Jim Sharpe, the well-known host of Arizona Morning News on KTAR. Jim is a voice that reaches thousands across Arizona, and hearing his thoughts on the importance of recovery and community-based initiatives was truly eye-opening. He spoke about how media plays a crucial role in changing the narrative surrounding addiction and recovery, and I couldn’t agree more. Stories of hope need to be shared, and as a media professional, I feel a deep responsibility to contribute to that cause.
Perhaps one of the most impactful conversations of the night was with Sheriff Jerry Sheridan of Maricopa County. Sheriff Sheridan’s perspective on rehabilitation and reintegration was both insightful and inspiring. He emphasized that true change comes from a combination of law enforcement, community support, and recovery programs. His commitment to finding ways to help individuals re-enter society with dignity and purpose was something that resonated with me deeply.
More than just a fundraiser, this gala was a beacon of hope for people seeking a second chance in life.
Plugged In Recovery Donating Media
At Plugged In Recovery, we believe that storytelling has the power to change lives. That’s why we were more than happy to donate our time and resources to cover this event. From interviews to event highlights, our goal was to capture the heart of the evening so that its impact could extend beyond just those in attendance.
Too often, stories of recovery go unheard. People see the struggles, but they don’t always see the victories. By providing media coverage for this event, we hope to shine a light on the incredible work being done and the lives that are being changed. This is why we do what we do—because every story deserves to be told, and every voice deserves to be heard.
Monument Recovery Donating Funds
Another powerful moment came when I had the opportunity to speak with JP Ketron, CEO of Monument Recovery. Monument was a financial donor for the event, showing their commitment to recovery efforts in Arizona. JP shared his thoughts on why it’s crucial for businesses and organizations to step up and support causes like this.
Plugged In Recovery and Monument Recovery share a common goal: to create pathways for individuals seeking freedom from addiction. Seeing Monument’s support at this event reaffirmed that we’re not alone in this fight. It takes a collective effort to bring about meaningful change, and having allies like Monument makes all the difference.
A Lasting Impact
As the night came to a close, I took a moment to reflect on everything I had witnessed. The conversations, the stories, the shared commitment to recovery—it all left me deeply moved. Recovery Cafe – Valley of the Sun is making a real difference, and being part of this event reinforced my belief in the power of community.
I left the gala feeling inspired and grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute. Grateful for the leaders who are championing this cause. Grateful for organizations like Monument Recovery that understand the importance of support. And most importantly, grateful for the individuals in recovery who remind us that transformation is always possible.
Final Thoughts
Plugged In Recovery is proud to have played a role in this incredible evening. This event was a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together for a shared purpose.
A huge thank you again to Anthony Eaton for organizing such a powerful evening, and to all the guests, leaders, and supporters who made it unforgettable.
Our work is far from over, but nights like these remind us why we keep pushing forward.
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