Honoring Author Annie Lamott & Thomas Gorham, retired Executive Director of Options Recovery Services
International House, U C Berkeley, 2299 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley CA
September 17, 2022, 5 pm – 8 pm
Reception 5 -6 pm / Dinner 6 – 7 pm / Program 7 – 8 pm
$150 donation includes dinner, music, short video, silent auction. Purchase tickets here: https://optionsrecoveryservices.com/25-anniversary-gala/
Annie Lamott’s “numerous books on faith … have brought refreshing humor and honesty to the realm of spiritual literature.” (SF Chronicle). More than 35 years into recovery, the bestselling author is still poking fun at herself. Her latest (19th) offering, Dusk Night Dawn, now weaves the realities of married life and being a grandmother with familiar themes of finding love in loss and unforeseen joy hidden in sorrow. All of which makes Annie Lamott the perfect recipient of Options’ Dr. Davida Coady Greatest Good Award, named for her friend who – after a career as a public health doctor in developing nations worldwide – founded Options at a folding table in the basement of Berkeley’s Veterans Building 25 years ago.
Thomas Gorham lived on the streets of Berkeley and Oakland for a decade before finding recovery, a life partner, and his calling at Options. Tom will receive the Fr. Bill O’Donnell Human Dignity Award, named for the beloved priest, activist, and co-founder of Options who performed Tom’s marriage to Davida Coady. Options provides on-demand treatment and free and sober housing with no income requirements at treatment centers in Berkley, Oakland, San Leandro, and will soon provide services in Contra Costa County. In addition, Options trains prison inmates to become certified addiction counselors throughout the state prison system. Tom Gorham founded Options’ first prison program at San Quentin in 2008 and continues to provide direction and consultation in his retirement.
Note: Proof of up-to-date COVID vaccinations and a temperature check are required for admission. Guests are expected to be masked when not eating. Dining options will allow for safe distancing.
