Wednesday evening's Save a Life Celebration at Butter, honored Caron Renaissance and 20 years of service. Celebrities, alumni, friends, and family attended the dinner and silent auction event to celebrate this groundbreaking organization based in Boca Raton, Fl., and to raise awareness and funds for addiction treatment and recovery scholarships.

The mission of Caron Renaissance is to "reverse the destructive cycle of addiction and related disorders. The strategy is to intervene on the process through a coordinated array of clinical services, repair broken alliances and foster foster healthy interdependent relationships."

What struck me most about the hosts and staff of Caron Renaissance, was the focus and recognition of the importance of family. Not only with relatives, but also how the unconditional love of friends and the staff, developed a familial support framework that would last a lifetime. This is perhaps something most addicts never feel would ever be a possibility

Host Denise Vasi welcomed the guests and introduced Jacquelyn Sherry, Director of Development. Ms. Vasi praised Ms. Sherry's 24/7 availability for advice, remarking, "her struggle and willingness to give back is an inspiration for me."

Ms. Sherry spoke of how she now looks at entering Caron 3 years ago as a gift, standing before the guests as "... a woman I am proud to be... thank you for giving me my life back."

Listening to Ms. Vasi, Ms. Sherry, and testimonials by Jessica Kipp and Linda Quirk, I was overwhelmed with the courage and strength of the addicts and their loved ones it took to overcome feelings of fear, loss of control, shame,and guilt. Caron Renaissance provided a platform to recapture the true sense of family.

Sid Goodman, Executive Director and Founder, remarked, "I am humbled, grateful, and proud to have founded Renaissance." As he absolutely should be having pioneered the treatment model that incorporates the entire family.

Mr. Goodman's vision has touched countless lives and moved many to champion the cause.

Ms. Quirk, who's stepdaughter is now 6 years sober, serves as on the Board of Directors, pledged to raise $1 million for Caron and the Lifesaver Scholarship Fund. In 2008, Ms. Quirk set out to run a marathon on each of the 7 continents. She began running the Boston Marathon, then went on to run The Great Wall of China, Kenya (Safaricom), Easter Island, Reykjavik, Melbourne and the freezing glaciers of Antarctica, raising almost $300,000.

Continuing with her goal, Ms. Quirk will attempt to be the first woman to complete the 4 Deserts in under a year.

This celebration also provided a "Save the Date", for the Fifth Annual Caron Renaissance Gala at Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fl. on February 26, 2010. Chaired by Petra Levin, fashion sponsor Zac Posen and fashion show headliner, Miri Ben-Ari.

SEEN: Lorraine Bracco, Joy Bryant, Zac Posen, Ramona Singer, Julissa Bermudez, and Petra Levin.

For more information, please visit: Caron Renaissance and Run 7 on 7.

*photo 1 by JP Pullos for PMc: Jacqueline Sherry and Joy Bryant

*photo 2 by JP Pullos for PMc: Zac Posen, Jacqueline Sherry, and Petra Levin.

*photo 3 by JP Pullos for PMc: Lorraine Bracco

*photo 4 by JP Pullos for PMc: Karen Duffy, Chloe Loh, Jacqueline Sherry, and Agnesa Foygel

*photo 5 by JP Pullos for PMc: Amanda Ford

*photo 6 by JP Pullos for PMc:Julianne Wainstein and Francesca Campbel

*photo 7 by JP Pullos for PMc: Sid Goodman and Denise  Vasi