A Note of Gratitude

Dear Friends,

The Maura Wilkins Foundation is now two years old. On October 9, 2023, we held our first fundraiser, and thanks to your support, we’ve provided low-cost and free day and weekend retreats, as well as sober events, to over 600 people. 

In 1956, the American Medical Association (AMA)  recognized alcoholism as a disease, shifting perceptions from a moral failing to a legitimate health issue, now termed Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). While there is no cure for addiction, many individuals learn to rebuild connections and find a sense of belonging. Support from others in recovery is essential, as it fosters accountability and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Maura Wilkins Foundation offers such support. Through day and weekend retreats, we create opportunities for individuals to connect and share their experiences. We pair those living in sober homes with individuals in long-term sobriety, facilitating meaningful friendships.

We also host sober social activities, including bowling, paint nights, trivia nights, and music bingo. Our events sell out quickly, often with waiting lists, and have positively impacted around 600 individuals in two years. Participants consistently provide positive feedback and an eagerness for more opportunities, which we then offer. We are fulfilling a crucial need in the recovery community, and it is inspiring to see younger individuals embracing sobriety and realizing that life continues beyond alcohol. I recently came across a  statement that resonated with me and aligns with the  mission of the Maura Wilkins Foundation: “Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is have fun!” 

We are meeting a vital need in the recovery community.  It is heartwarming to witness younger individuals embracing sobriety and realizing that their lives are far from over when they stop drinking. 

Thank you for your generous donation to the Maura Wilkins Foundation. Your support is making a significant difference in the lives of many individuals and their families. 

On behalf of those we serve and the board members of the Maura Wilkins Foundation, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Sincerely,

Maribeth McKenzie MacDonald, MA, CNP 

Executive Director