Redefining the Face of Recovery: Attend Break Free’s First Annual Gala + Runway Show

After a successful New York Fashion Week season, Break Free is back with a glamorous twist. Bringing you more fashion with a cause, Break Free is presenting its first-ever gala: “Walk Your Talk” on October 25th at the Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island. The event begins with mocktail hour and passed hors d’oeuvres at 6 pm, with the runway show at 7 pm. After that, there will be a live mannequin showroom, featuring peers (or persons in recovery) as the models, guests are encouraged to speak with the models to hear their recovery stories.

There will be two inspire talks, one by Renee Cafaro of RCA Public Label, and one from Janie Deegan, founder of Janie’s Bakery. With a live panel discussion featuring celebrity peers Brandon Novak from MTV’s Jackass and Viva La Bam, and Margaret Josephs from the Real Housewives of New Jersey. The event will close out with a tasting of Janie’s decadent pastries, and an awards ceremony honoring those who serve in the recovery field day in and day out.

Among the designers showcasing at the gala are the founder of the Break Free Foundation and head designer of LadyCat, Alexandra Nyman, world-renowned plus-sized designer Renee Cafaro, and sober fashion house Rehab Studios, by Claire Comai.

The following VIPs will be in attendance at the gala: Senator Nathalia Fernandez who serves as the chair of the Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorder Committee. Also in attendance is Mayor Adam’s Deputy Executive Director of Community Mental Health, Laquisha Grant.

Break Free will be honoring the following individuals: Janie Deegan, who will be presented with the “Recover Out Loud” award for her outstanding work in the community, Brandon Novak, will be presented with the “Emerging Provider Award” for the opening of his first inpatient treatment center, Redemption Recovery, which opened in May of this year, Joshua Sewell, who will be presented with the “Building Bridges Award” for his dedication and work with the recovery community, Renee Cafaro will be presented with the “Walk Your Talk Award” for her years of public service and for being a changemaker in the fashion industry, and Nikki Yuengling will be presented with the “Fresh Face Award” which is given to the foundation’s top volunteer of the year.

The gala will also feature live performances from Nikki Yuengling, Elle Baez, Rachel Bawn, and Harrison Dolan. There will be a silent auction and unlimited free mocktails provided by Mocktail Mart, which has donated two gift certificates and a mocktail sampler pack with a mocktail cart for guests to bid on. For more information or to support the Break Free Foundation, visit this link.