America's Got Talent magician, Nashville recording artist lead fundraiser to aid recovery

The National Department of Drug Abuse Statistics reported that in 2020, among Americans aged 12 years and older, 37.309 million were current illegal drug users. Drug overdose deaths in the US since 2000 are nearing one million and that accidental drug overdose is a leading cause of death among persons under the age of 45.

The report also stated that drug abuse and substance disorders are more likely to affect young males. A local non-profit in Craven County aims to help those who are recovering from addiction and plan to hold an event to help with the cost of providing services to those who are in need.

Realize U 252 in partnership with CarolinaEast Health Systems, will hold a fundraiser on Oct. 2 at the New Bern Shrine Club, 2102 S. Glenburnie Road. Doors will open at 3 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m.

Realize U 252's is a 12 bed long-term men’s recovery residence for someone who has gone through treatment or detox for their addiction.

Their mission is to empower individuals to realize their potential for long-term recovery from addiction and substance use disorder.

The facility provides the environment and opportunity for residents to thrive in long-term addiction recovery.

Kim Briele, board president for Realize U 252, said they have been in existence for four years.

“What we do is try to help them continue their education, get them in a 12-step program and help them go through the Job Readiness Program and Craven Community College,” she said. “From there, we assist them with finding employment. All of these things are important to help them continue their road to recovery. We are enjoying a lot of success with the men that come through our house.”

Briele added that most people want to get out of their addiction, but its very hard.

“I equate addiction to cancer,” she said. “Like cancer, we all know somebody who has been affected by addiction. The difference is there is a stigma attached to addiction. We hope that in the coming years we can silence that stigma in our community. These are real people with real problems and need the community’s help because they cannot do it on their own.”

She added that events and fundraisers are critical in maintaining the program at Realize U 252.

“Without fundraisers and grants, the house would not exist. We are very grateful for our partnership with CarolinaEast who also recognizes how important having a place like this is for the community.”

The fundraiser the organization is putting on is called Music and Illusion and will feature Magician Carl Michael. Michael has performed with several celebrities, a stint in Las Vegas and appeared on NBC’s hit show, America’s Got Talent.

Nashville recording artist Tom Yankton will also be performing at the fundraiser. Yankton has performed as the opening act for artists such as Luke Bryan, The Brothers Osborne, Walker Hayes and Riley Green. He has also appeared on The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmell Live and The Grand Ole Opry just to name a few.

Currently, he plays guitar and shares lead vocals in Generation Radio, a group featuring Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, Jason Scheff of Chicago, Deen Catronovo or Journey and Steve Ferrone of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at RealizeU252.org. A limited number of tickets (30) for a family of four can be purchased at a discounted rate of $40

Briele said it will be a great way for families to share an afternoon of talent within a very safe environment.

In between acts, speakers will be introduced who will discuss the program and share their stories.

Additionally, donators can have their names burned into a seven-foot wooden cross for $150. It may include the name of your business, or “In support” or “In memory” of a loved one. The cross will then be placed at the transition house to show support from the community for those who reside there. If interested, please contact Kim Briele at Kbriele@lcaadvertising.com no later than Sept. 20.

Jasmine Canady, Craven County Opioid Task Force coordinator and board member for Realize U 252, said the transition home is extremely needed in our community.

According to Canady, from 2016 to 2020 the rate of overdoses and emergency department visits were at a rate of 183.1 per 100,000 residents in Craven County. Last year, there were 58 deaths reported from overdoses and raw data shows that there have been 235 reported overdoses in 2022.

The purpose of the task force is to raise awareness, share educational resources and take on the stigma surrounding substance abuse and addiction.

“Help is out there,” said Canady. “We are trying to bridge the gap. Right now our biggest barrier is access to transportation and treatment availability and for those who may not have been affected by addiction to become aware that way you will be able to recognize the signs and have those conversations so you can have the interventions and get loved ones the help they need.”

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Nationally known magician, musician leads Craven County addiction recovery event