A night of inspiration and community support brought in over $52,000 for recovery and mental health programs in the Finger Lakes.
The Finger Lakes Area Counseling & Recovery Agency (FLACRA) hosted its 3rd Annual Gala on September 18, marking a powerful evening of hope, healing, and fundraising during National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
The event spotlighted personal stories of resilience, including a moving speech from Alexandria Petro, who credited FLACRA with helping her overcome addiction and rebuild her life. FLACRA Board Chair Rev. Todd R. Goddard also delivered a keynote tying his own experiences to the agency’s mission to be “the safety net for people broken by substance abuse and mental health disorders.”
FLACRA named CHESS Health its 2025 Partner of the Year for supporting digital recovery tools that improve client care and referrals. Auctioneer Carrie Hessney-Doran brought energy to the evening’s games and paddle raise.
“Together, we celebrated not just recovery, but the collective power of community,” said FLACRA President and CEO Jennifer Carlson. “Every dollar raised helps ensure that individuals and families in our region have access to care, hope, and the chance to build meaningful lives.”
The event was backed by sponsors including Assured Partners, Fidelis Care, Canandaigua National Bank, and Del Lago Resort & Casino.
FLACRA provides housing, outpatient, and recovery services throughout the region, reaching thousands of individuals and families each year.
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