Eckerd Connects Announces 2018 Brevard Walk of Fame™ honoring those at the Forefront of the Opioid Crisis
Eckerd Connects has announced its 2018 Brevard Walk of Fame™ honoree, Brevard Indo-American Medical and Dental Association (BIMDA) and brings light to the Opioid Crisis in Central Florida. The Brevard Walk of Fame gala, benefiting Eckerd Connects programs in Brevard County, will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Hilton Rialto in Melbourne, FL.
For this year’s 8th annual event, Eckerd Connects is shifting the focus of the evening to not only honor those making a difference in the community but to also lead the conversation about opioid issues. In May 2017, Governor Rick Scott declared opioid abuse a public health emergency in the state of Florida. Brevard County has been no stranger to this crisis, reporting an increase in heroin related deaths by 200% in the last 3 years. The impact is felt daily by Eckerd Connects’ staff who work with at risk children, teens, and families facing homelessness.
“We have chosen this year’s gala as a platform to bring awareness of this crisis to our supporters, to show the good work of leaders like BIMDA, and to come together as a community to enhance programs offered for substance abuse and prevention,” said Eckerd Connects’ Director of Community Services, Stanley Brizz. “This event has consistently brought together the best leaders in Brevard and Central Florida to inspire others by their examples. We’re proud that the Brevard Walk of Fame will not only honor those leaders but will bring this crisis to the forefront.”
Representing BIMDA at the event will be Dr. Pavan Kancharla, Chairman & President, Dr. Aparna Kopuri, President-Emeritus and Dr. Ashok Shah, Board of Regents.
“This issue affects more than just pain management doctors since every physician can be affected by the aftermath of abuse of opioids and other substances in their practices,” said Brizz.
The Brevard Walk of Fame™ begins with a cocktail reception. The black-tie gala not only includes the Brevard Walk of Fame presentation, but also dinner, live entertainment, and the popular Children’s Hero of the Year Awards segment sponsored by Classic Wood Flooring. This year’s entertainment will be Winston Scott and the Cosmic Jazz Ensemble, led by 2015 Honoree and former astronaut, Captain Winston Scott.
This event will raise awareness about the positive impact BIMDA and the Children’s Hero of the Year nominees’ efforts have made in the lives of others. It will also highlight these recipients’ outstanding commitment to those facing substance abuse issues in our community. Efforts like these inspire tomorrow’s generations to follow in their footsteps.
“I am looking forward to Brevard’s influential members coming out to support this event,” added Brizz. “This county’s prominent members are great in showing they care about pertinent issues affecting where we live, our children and our families. I have no doubt that they want to join the fight against the opioid crisis and substance abuse in our community. Every demographic regardless of socioeconomic level is impacted.”
In addition to its awards program, Brevard Walk of Fame™ is the premier charitable event in Brevard County. The financial support will help Eckerd Connects Brevard programs to continue providing critical substance abuse prevention programs in the community, as well related child abuse prevention services. Last year’s event raised $100,000 in needed funds to help rapidly re-house families who are experiencing homelessness.
Tickets are $150 each. Corporate tables and sponsorship opportunities are also available. Admission and sponsorship information can be found at www.brevardwalkoffame.com or by calling (321) 253-0032. Individuals may also “Like” the Brevard Walk of Fame fan page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BrevardWalkOfFame where they can also get updates on the event.