Tom Gerson, Laurie Bruder, Danielle, Mia and Matt Cicero, and Makenzie Work

“Stella Fest,” a family-friendly, sober clambake, is an annual celebration designed to raise awareness and save lives.
More than 300 guests attended this year’s event on the Stella Maris campus and raised over $200,000 to support its causes. Stella Maris serves more than 5,000 clients annually.
“Stella Fest is about bringing attention to addiction and recovery. At Stella Maris, we know that treatment works, and we have seen firsthand the transformative impact recovery can have on individuals, families and communities,” Daniel Lettenberger-Klein, Stella Maris CEO said. “We hope Stella Fest inspires and motivates all of us to keep pushing forward in our mission to support and celebrate recovery.”
Stella Maris has been serving the Northeast Ohio community for 76 years. Its mission is to provide chemical dependency treatment and mental health services to clients regardless of race, gender, religion or ability to pay.
Keynote speaker for the third annual Stella Fest was Rose DeRoia, director of the Tommy DeRoia Success Foundation and an advocate for those suffering with substance abuse disorder. Sherri Johnson, founder of Sherri Johnson Coaching, served as emcee. Musical entertainment was provided by Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band. Catering was by Catanese Classic Seafood. STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN