The Annual CLARE|MATRIX Tribute Dinner honored the Emmy and Oscar Awarded Star, Allison Janney, of the stellar comedy ensemble, MOM on Thursday, November 15^th and Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows in Santa Monica. Because of the show, there is a greater understanding of the need for compassionate treatment for those who make the brave choice to seek help and continue their journey after treatment. Ted Kaplan follows in his family’s footsteps to now own one of California’s largest produce businesses, Professional Produce. We honored his role as a leader in the industry that has been parlayed into a family tradition of giving back and investing in the community as an ardent advocate on the importance of sobriety and recovery.  This year, we honored Cristina Meadows with the Distinguished Alumni Award that has traditionally recognized people who have experienced our treatment programs and go on to establish themselves in lives of service. Cristina has played a pivotal role in transforming the call center at CLARE|MATRIX where over 3000 calls are screened each month and is often the first voice of hope for people seeking help.

The event raised $500,000 for programs providing affordable treatment for alcoholism, substance abuse and behavioral health.

Opening the awards ceremony was a live musical performance by Santa Monica High School Choir. The gala gathered more than 380 guests including Chuck Lorre, Gemma Baker, and cast and writers of the show MOM, Mimi Kennedy, Larry Dilg, Beth Hall, Warren Bell, Bob Broder, and Anne Flett Giordano.

“In merging CLARE Foundation and MATRIX Institute on Addictions, we have leveraged our combined 85 years of experience in the prevention, education, and treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders,” said CLARE|MATRIX CEO, Dr. Lisa Steele. “Our commitment to saving lives through recovery can now reach more people and more communities.”

The auction provided donors an opportunity to save lives through the entire continuum of care – from admission to aftercare – and individual services such as detoxification, residential and outpatient treatment, behavioral health and sober living.

Allison Janney was presented with the CLARE|MATRIX Tribute Award for her portrayal of the character Bonnie on the show, MOM. “Because of the show, the people I’ve met and nights like tonight, I’ve gotten to see over and over again that recovery works, said Janney. “Unfortunately, there are many obstacles besides just the disease that prevent people from experiencing it. That’s where CLARE|MATRIX comes in.”

The event was a huge success thanks to friends and supporters including the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation and the Werner Family Foundation for their generous sponsorship.