SMALLER, CASUAL STELLA FEST SCORES WITH GUESTS

Cooler temps and sporadic rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of attendees at this year’s Stella Fest, presented by the Tommy DeRoia Success Foundation on September 19. If anything, it made the gathering feel even more intimate.

Regulars of the event immediately noticed the difference – cozier. That feeling was intentional and made possible by the smaller footprint of the event. The physical set-up brought everyone together, putting the tent next to the cafeteria, and utilizing the stage area for both the band and brief presentation. The food at this year’s clambake was prepared and served in-house, showcasing the talents of a new chef and the kitchen crew. Clients ate with ticketed guests, and more than half of the Board of Directors (including several who flew in from out of state) mingled with everyone.

The team at Stella wanted the event to feel more like a reflection of the Stella community – a warm tapestry of people who show up for and support one another through the day-to-day journey of recovery. When clients arrive at Stella, they learn pretty quickly that every person on campus cares. Sobriety doesn’t happen in isolation and recovery is a team sport. No one does it alone. That sense of community and camaraderie was at an all-time high for this event. 

A short program preceded children’s activities, a set by the band, and raffle baskets. 

Board President Brian Stovsky thanked all of our sponsors before inviting a familiar face to the stage. Rose DeRoia spoke as a presenting sponsor about why the Tommy DeRoia Success Foundation continues to support Stella’s mission each year.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO….

The Community Impact Award was created in 2025 to recognize an individual for their unwavering commitment to recovery and selfless, hands-on dedication to helping others on recovery journeys, particularly in the last few years. 

It might have been a surprise to him, but it shocked absolutely no one else that alum Jason Morris was called to the stage as the recipient of the award. 

Since beginning recovery, Jason has started a successful business, employed others in recovery, and sponsored both Stella and Alumni Association events. The same day he received the award, he and his crew were at Stella early to help staff get ready and set up a dunk tank (a tank that he sponsored because he knew Stella Fest wouldn’t be the same without it.) 

But the award presentation wasn’t quite over. CEO Christine Robinson announced a NEW award, one that will be given to those who use their voice to empower, advocate, and change their lives as a long-term member of (or long-term advocate for) the recovery community, similar to a career achievement award. 

he inaugural recipient – and the reason the Voices in Recovery Award was created – was Carole Negus. A fixture at Stella as Director of Nursing since 2013, Carole will retire at the end of this year. 

Carole has overseen the detox of literally thousands of individuals, touching exponentially more lives. She’s been instrumental in the growth of Stella and is an outspoken advocate for the health of clients and staff alike. She’s brought her musical talent as a lead singer in Bright Lights Big City Band to Rock of Faith, her annual signature fundraiser for Stella. As the event’s artistic director, she takes musicians in recovery (including those brand new to music) and coaches them from hesitant audition to stage-worthy performance. Through music and narrative, a story is told, from the chaos of addiction onto the path of recovery. 

After receiving her award, Carole got back to work – not as Director of Nursing, but as talented performer as her band took the stage. 

ADDITIONAL THANKS TO:

• All of our raffle donors for filling the baskets with goodies

• Big-Hearted Blooms who gave beautiful centerpieces new life at our event

• Gypsy Beans & Baking Company for the incredible desserts that were gobbled right up

• Bright Lights Big City band for making us get up and dance

• Foote Printing for making our programs pop

• Morris Masonry, who really wanted guests to have a chance with the dunk tank

• Photographer David Hall, for capturing our memorable moments

• Artist Sage, for her facepainting prowess

• Cleveland Mounted Police for bringing the horses out to play

• Last, but not least, the Stella Staff who gave their day off to support the event

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