Friends of Sinners is kicking off its 15th year of service with its annual Unchained outreach event at Chautauqua Park. Executive Director Joe Welsh said the event always unites the program’s alums and current clients.
The August 10 event starts at 9 a.m. with the FOS benefit motorcycle ride, followed by the cookout at 11 a.m. The ride costs $10 per rider, and sign-ups begin at 8 a.m.
Additionally, he said it’s the perfect time for families to enjoy an outdoor experience with inflatables, face painting, live music from local artists, and a cornhole tournament starting at noon for $10 per team.
They will also give away school supplies and clothes for elementary and middle school-aged students.
“This is our alumni day. It’s a place for any of our former clients and alumni to come back and celebrate with us, bring their families and their kids, and have a big reunion,” Welsh said.
He noted that many clients may not have the chance to experience a family reunion atmosphere due to their recovery journey or family situations not being the most amicable. So, having an event where people can enjoy the organization’s positive energy is vital, he said.
They will serve barbecued hot dogs and burgers free of charge but will also sell BBQ ribs and Boston Buttes for $30 each to pick up at the event. All money goes back to the nonprofit’s mission.
Welsh noted that the event was initially planned primarily as an annual fundraising event for the organization. Still, they realized it was best to connect the clients with alums, other resource and treatment organizations, and community members to showcase their support.
“We’re not in competition with anyone. We’re all in the same fight. We’re all trying to reach the same solution, which is to improve lives and lead people to Jesus, change their lives, give them their families back, and give them their hope back,” Welsh said.
Welsh added that seeing the relationships bloom between alums and current clients, or even alumni-alumni relationships, often motivates all involved.
He said, especially with his own recovery story, recovery feels like being on the brink of death but still making it out on the other side. So when he or the clients reunite with someone alongside them at their lowest point, it’s motivating to continue remaining sober.
“We escaped death. That’s a bond that can’t be broken and that I can’t describe. It’s humbling, and I don’t know how to describe it,” Welsh said.
