Standing Sober is hosting its very first fundraising event on Saturday, April 13, 2024, benefiting scholarships offered to High School Seniors and for future events.
This fun, family fair will be from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the City Park in Teague, Texas.
There will be a Cornhole Tournament, vendors, food trucks, face painting, a bounce house, a few raffles (including at 50-inch TCL TV) and other fun activities.
For the Cornhole Tournament, Boards at 10:00 a.m. and bags fly at 11:00 a.m. It will be a SwitchHolio game, no partner needed. With a $30 entry fee, there is a 6-game guarantee. Cash prizes and plaques will be on tap for winners.
To register for the tournament, use the ScoreHolio App.
If you are interested in becoming a vendor for the event, regular booths are available for $25 each, or $35 for a booth with access to electricity. Vendors will need to supply their own tables, chairs, and pop-up tents as needed.
What is Standing Sober?
Standing Sober is a support group for current or recovering alcoholics/addicts and their loved ones; anyone who is affected by addiction.
“I started this group in October of 2021 as a way to hold myself accountable while helping others,” explains founder Ricky Salazar. “A lot of the already established support groups are very hush-hush, or totally anonymous. I don’t want to hide my sobriety. I want to celebrate it. We shouldn’t be silenced; we should be proud!”
A recovering alcoholic himself, Salazar, with the help of his wife Jamie, work to bring people together to offer resources and support for those affected by drugs and/or alcohol.
“Our group is not strict by the rules,” Salazar says. “We encourage everyone to use the method that works best for them, be it faith, prayer, yoga, meditation, etc.; and to not be restricted by rules and regulations like some of the other groups out there.”
The Salazars do most of their work via Facebook. They do not meet in person.
Some of the things you can find on their Facebook page include live videos where Ricky will discuss various topics, support group member phone numbers where others can reach out for support, and many other types of resources.
The group currently has more than 200 members; not only from Freestone County, but from all over the United State and even some from other countries. It is open to any and everyone.
“I’m not a doctor, counselor, or certified in any way,” explains Salazar. “I’m just a down-to-earth guy who tells it like it is without sugar coating things. My wife offers the softer side for those who need it.”
“My sobriety has given me a second chance at life and I’m trying my hardest to make the best of it this time,” he concludes.
For more information about the group or this event, visit www.Facebook.com/StandingSober or contact founder Ricky Salazar at 903-519-1766.
