SAFE Coalition has announced their 3rd Annual Gala for May 8, 2025, at the Lakeview Pavilion in Foxborough. Titled “An Evening of Giving,” the event will raise funds to advance SAFE’s mission of offering compassionate, judgement-free support to those affected by substance use disorder and mental health challenges.
Guests of SAFE’s gala will enjoy a gourmet dinner, live music, silent and live auctions, and inspirational guest speakers.
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| 3rd Annual Gala - May 8 |
Jake Haendel will be the keynote speaker, whose podcast Blink is currently at the top of the Apple Podcast charts. Haendel, a Boston native, struggled with substance misuse in early adulthood. He is the only known survivor of a rare brain disease that caused him to develop “locked-in syndrome,” a condition causing complete, coma-like body paralysis.
Haendel will speak on risk factors for substance abuse, especially for adolescents, and how more needs to be done to ensure no one goes unsupported.
“All kids are good kids,” he says, “and substance use disorder does not discriminate.”
Struggles like depression, anxiety, and trauma affect all kids, regardless of background, he says. These stressors can result in harmful coping mechanisms regardless of a person’s outward appearance or perceived privileges.
Businesses and individuals across New England show their support of SAFE’s work to reduce stigma and raise awareness by sponsoring the gala, such as Direct Federal Credit Union, who secured a champion sponsorship for the 2025 gala.
“Direct Federal Credit Union is committed to supporting organizations like SAFE that make a difference in our community,” says Kristen Johnson, DCFU Senior Vice President, Employee & Brand Experience. “By combining our efforts in philanthropy, volunteerism, and financial literacy, we’re able to contribute to the long-lasting impact SAFE is having on individuals and families. We are honored to stand with SAFE in their mission to strengthen our community.”
SAFE serves over 50 communities in Massachusetts with programs for teens, support groups for loved one’s impacted by others’ substance use, harm reduction education, resources for families in need like a community diaper bank, housing support, and more. SAFE’s services are free to recipients and no insurance is needed.
SAFE began in 2015 after a community discussion on the increasing deaths from opioid use and what could be done to combat the rising epidemic. Today, the nonprofit works with first responders, local and state politicians, municipalities, schools, other nonprofits, and concerned citizens across southeastern Massachusetts to fill gaps in substance use prevention and education, harm reduction, recovery, and mental health support.
“At the gala we bring together stakeholders, community partners, and members of the public, without whom we would not exist,” says SAFE Co-founder and Director of Family Recovery Jim Derick. “This event provides a platform to highlight our services and successes, report on impacts we have made, and chart our course for the year to come.”
