Magic & Thanks Fill Walden’s Annual Event
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) delivered remarks during Walden Behavioral Health’s Magical Evening Under the Stars event recognizing the staff and volunteers at Walden Sierra for their commitment to individuals seeking behavioral health treatment and recovery services.
“I was honored to celebrate the dedication and commitment to service of those who have made Walden Sierra a source of hope, treatment, and comfort to so many in the Fifth District and throughout Southern Maryland,” said Congressman Hoyer. “For more than 40 years, Walden Sierra has been filling a great need by bringing help and healing to those struggling with addiction, mental illness and trauma. The staff and volunteers at Walden perform miracles every day through their dedication, perseverance, and expert care.”
“When members of our community are struggling with substance abuse, a painful loss, or a debilitating mental illness, Walden is a refuge where they receive comfort and hope,” continued Congressman Hoyer. “I thank everyone at Walden for everything they do to keep this great organization running and for making certain that it continues to have a broad reach and a positive impact for so many across our region. I look forward to celebrating many more years of Walden Sierra’s extraordinary work.”
Speaking briefly at the event, Congressman Hoyer praised Dr. Kathleen O’Brien, CEO of Walden Behavioral Health for her ceaseless efforts on behalf of the Southern Maryland counties.
“It is always an honor to have Congressman Hoyer at our events, and it is even more meaningful that he understands and supports our mission of building a support network for our entire community in Southern Maryland,” said Dr. O’Brien.
The Magical Evening Under the Stars included magicians, a fire eater and fortune teller, and was held at the Olde Breton Inn in Leonardtown, MD.
Dr. O’Brien thanked the evening’s sponsors, which included Alacazam; Chesapeake Education; Hocus Pocus; Cherry Cove Builders; Millison Foundation; Christine Wray; Whitten Laser Eye; Bipity Bopity Boo; SMECO; Chesapeake Wholesale; Imagine One; Raffa Financial Group; Blazer Enterprises and Rally & Watts.
Additional supporters included R Leon Photography; David’s Flowers; Barefoot Graphics; DJ: Marc Shubrooks and the Printing Press.
Raffle Donations were made by KMart, WalMart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Chick-fil-A, and Panera Bread.
Board President Daniel Ichniowski also thanked the Walden Board of Directors: Vice President, Jane Sypher; Treasurer, Julie Randall; Secretary, Delores Greene; Director, Libby Blair; Director, Jay Duke; Director, Nancy Luginbill and Director, Floyd Warren.
Walden Sierra is a non-profit community organization that offers a wide range of specialized services such as crisis intervention, psychiatric and mental health therapy, drug and alcohol services, and trauma and recovery support services to individuals and families in Southern Maryland, including St. Mary’s, Charles, Calvert, and Prince George’s counties.
