an annual fundraiser to celebrate the arts

the beginning

“Recovering addicts have tremendous strength.  Recovery isn’t for the weak of will. Pessimism gets you nowhere. Before they leap, defeat will make them retreat. Never doubt yourself because doubt leads to defeat.”
– Stephen Cianciabella

Stephen is one of many who despite their countless, noble attempts, lost the battle with heroin. Soon after, his mother Susan became a member of Healing Addition in Our Community (HAC) – a group of mothers, grandparents and other affected family members who had also experienced the heartbreaking loss of a loved one and were dedicated to broadening the treatment of addiction and bringing awareness to the community.

Arts for Hope and Recovery was born as Susan’s way of honoring her son, along with other creative young men and women who are lost too early. Stephen’s passions included skateboarding, dancing ballet, street art, painting, reading philosophy and writing poetry. Each year we celebrate those passions with a night of music, dance, poetry, live art, local food and auction. All proceeds go directly to HAC and Serenity Mesa transitional living center.