Anti-substance abuse speaker at Valley Impact Awards

Dr. Lonise Bias, an anti-substance abuse advocate, is the keynote speaker for the 2007 Valley Impact Awards dinner tonight at Stambaugh Auditorium Ballroom.

Dr. Bias is the mother of the late Len Bias, the University of Maryland basketball player who died in 1986 of drug-related causes two days after being drafted by the Boston Celtics.

The dinner is at 6:30 p.m., the keynote address at 7:15 p.m., and presentation of awards at 8:15 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Meridian Services, a nonprofit organization that provides services to individuals and families affected by chemical dependency and mental health-related disorders.

Categories and nominees for the awards are:

• Collaboration in Action: Patriot Seating, public radio station WYSU, and Ebony Lifeline Support Group. The award honors businesses and organization working together to improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by addiction and its related issues.

• Behind The Faces of Recovery: Michael S. and Jean Senchak, and Robert Rhodes of Hutz Sign Co. The award honors an individual who has made a significant impact on someone during his or her recovery process.

• Service Excellence: The award is presented to a Meridian Services employee who has gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life for clients and/or fellow employees.

• Valley Leadership: This special award will be presented to retired Judge Joseph Donofrio for having started Donofrio Recovery Homes 45 years ago.

Tickets for the event can be ordered by calling Ellie Platt of Meridian Services at (330) 797-0070.