[PHOTOS] Stella Fest 2025: Recovery, Community, and Hope

A PERFECT DAY FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL CLAMBAKE

More than 300 people gathered on Saturday, September 20, 2025 for the 4th Annual Stella Fest: a celebration of awareness and restoring lives. Held on Stella’s Main Campus, it was once again the best clambake in The Land.

Dating back to the 1950s on campus, a clambake is a fitting tradition for Stella Maris (Latin for Star of the Sea)—not only for its nautical cuisine, but for its roots in community. Historically, clambakes were designed to bring people together, fostering connection and camaraderie. That spirit was alive and well as dozens of staff, alumni, and volunteers welcomed families with smiles, laughter, and hard work. The weather couldn’t have been better: blue skies and a gentle lake breeze.

FOOD, MUSIC, AND FESTIVITIES

The feast featured steaming clams from Cantonese Classics and perfectly grilled chicken from AllyCat, with the Stella Maris kitchen team rounding out the spread with hearty sides. The soundtrack to the day came courtesy of Stella’s very own Director of Nursing, Carole Negus, who took the stage with her band Bright Lights Big City and filled the air with music.

Between splashes from the dunk tank, children’s sticky cotton-candy grins, painted faces, and cheers from lawn games, the atmosphere was festive. Yet beneath the fun was a deeper theme: celebration, transformation, resilience, and community support.

STELLA MARIS BY THE NUMBERS

• Attendees came not just for the food and music, but to celebrate the life-changing work of Stella Maris. Over the past year, the organization has:

• Treated nearly 5,500 individuals

• Achieved a detox success rate of 85%, compared to the 32% national average

• More than doubled the national average for outpatient service completion

• Guided 76% of outpatient clients through multiple programs, laying the foundation for long-term recovery

• Supported 226 clients through workforce development, providing culinary and barista training

• Ensured 100% of clients who complete treatment leave with housing

As a teaching facility, Stella Maris also shapes the future of healthcare by welcoming students from Case Western, Cleveland State, the University of Cincinnati, and more, giving them firsthand experience in compassionate recovery care.

HONORING THE CHAMPIONS OF RECOVERY

Stella’s impact wouldn’t be possible without the larger recovery community, and the event took time to honor its champions. Scott Osiecki, recently retired CEO of the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County, was recognized on stage for his decades of leadership and contributions to behavioral healthcare.

The day’s most moving moment came when alumna Jillian Stewart—initially invited to share her recovery story—was surprised with the inaugural Community Impact Award.

“It all started here,” she said. “I can’t even begin to put into words the overwhelming gratitude I have for Stella Maris and all of the amazing men and women I have in my life today. I am beyond honored to receive this award.”

Other speakers included:

• George Latcheran, Board Executive Committee member and Chair of the Event Host Committee

• Presenting Sponsor Rose DeRoia, Founder and President,  of the of The  Tommy DeRroia Success Foundation

• Chris Ronayne, Chief Executive of Cuyahoga County

• Dr. David Margolius, Director of Public Health for the City of Cleveland

• Aaron Marks, Stella Maris Board Chair

• Christine Robinson, incoming Stella Maris CEO and current COO

• Sheri Johnson, Event Emcee

The 4th Annual Stella Fest was presented by The Tommy DeRoia Success Foundation, with support in part by Gold Sponsors: Huntington National Bank, The Hubbard Family Foundation, Bridge Street Local, and Hun University Suburban Health Center.

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CHECK OUT ALL OF THE PHOTOS IN OUR VIDEO SLIDESHOW

 Presenting Sponsor

• The Tommy DeRoia Success Foundation

Gold Sponsors

• Bridge Street Local

• The Hubbard Family Foundation

• The Huntington National Bank

• University Suburban Health Center

 Silver Sponsors

• Tim & Susan Armstrong

• Kevin & Leslie Blum

• Laurie Bruder

• Jill Zupon Charitable Fund

• Jones Day

• KeyBank

• John O’Brien

• Oswald

• ShieldMark

• The Stovsky Family

 Bronze Plus Sponsors

• Hill Street Construction

• Molly & John David Drake

• Larchmere Imports

• McManamon & Co., LLP

• Pat & Mary Quinn

• The Master Products Company

THANK YOU TO OUR HOST COMMITTEE

• George Latcheran, Chair

• Tim Armstrong

• Laurie Bruder

• Molly & John David Drake

• Sue Gragel and Tom Goecke

• Annie Hubbard

• Daniel Lettenberger-Klein

• Aaron & Rebecca Marks          

• Drs. Chris & Victoria Nassif

• Carole and John Negus

• John F. O’Brien                                   

• Nick Pietrangelo and Liz Sanders

• Pat and Mary Quinn

• Tim Rankin                              

• Shannon M. Stein

• Brian M. Stovsky

• Phyllis Webb