An Unforgettable Morning of Hope, Healing, and Momentum
Last week, we welcomed friends, supporters, and community leaders for the 13th Annual Welcome House Breakfast, and what a powerful morning it was.
Together, we celebrated recovery, honored the strength of the men we serve, and shared a bold vision for the future. The room was filled with generosity, connection, and the belief that second chances change lives.
A Story That Moved the Room
One of the most meaningful moments of the morning came when Brandon Novak shared his personal story of recovery.
With honesty, humor, and courage, Brandon spoke about struggle, healing, and the power of community. His story resonated deeply throughout the room. We laughed together, reflected together, and were reminded that no one has to walk the road to recovery alone.
Moments like these continue to break down the stigma surrounding Substance Use Disorder and replace it with understanding, compassion, and hope.
The community came together to help us raise over $289,000!
Thanks to our Special Guests Who Helped Inspire the Morning
We were honored to welcome golf legend Tom Watson, whose presence helped shine a powerful light on the importance of recovery and second chances.
We are equally grateful to Tom Arnn, whose energy and generosity inspired the room and helped lead an extraordinary moment of support for the mission of Welcome House.
A special thank you as well to our outstanding emcee, John Holt, who guided the morning with warmth, heart, and humor.
Support the Mission of Welcome House
The momentum from this year’s Breakfast continues, and there is still time to make an impact. If you were unable to give during the event, you can still donate today and help provide safe housing, peer counseling, education, employment support, and the resources men and women need to build lasting recovery.Â
There is still time to make an impact. Your gift today helps provide housing, counseling, employment support, and lasting recovery.
Introducing Welcome House Women!
The most exciting announcement of the morning was the launch of Welcome House Women, a bold new chapter in our mission.
Built on more than five decades of success serving men, Welcome House is expanding to provide the same life-changing recovery support to women in our community.
With your support, a new residential recovery center will provide a safe, structured environment where women can heal, rebuild, and pursue lasting recovery.
Honoring Miracles in Action
One of the most meaningful moments of this year’s Welcome House Breakfast was the presentation of the Miracle Award to Rick Fleenor.
The Miracle Award recognizes individuals whose compassion, commitment, and generosity help transform lives in our recovery community. This year’s honoree embodies all three.
Rick has been a steadfast supporter of Welcome House and a champion for the men we serve. Through his leadership, generosity, and belief in second chances, he has helped create opportunities for hope, healing, and lasting recovery.
More than financial support, Rick’s impact has been personal. He understands that recovery changes families, restores dignity, and strengthens our entire community. His example reminds all of us that when people choose to invest in others, lives are changed.
As Rick accepted the award, the room rose in appreciation for a man whose quiet leadership and generous spirit continue to make a profound difference.
We are proud to honor Rick Fleenor as this year’s Miracle Award recipient and grateful for the many ways he continues to advance the mission of Welcome House.
Thank you to our amazing sponsors!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Presenting Sponsors, AdventHealth and Cumulus Media, along with our generous sponsors, donors, table captains, volunteers, and guests. Thank you for believing in recovery. Thank you for believing in second chances. Thank you for helping transform lives every day.
