Riveon names award winners for 'Pearls of Wisdom' gala in October

Riveon Mental Health and Recovery on Tuesday announced the winners of awards to be given out Oct. 23 at its annual "Pearls of Wisdom" benefit and recognition dinner. The event honors companies and individuals who support Riveon, a private, nonprofit regional mental health and recovery organization formed in 2024 by the merger of The LCADA Way and The Nord Center. This year's awards and winners are: - The President's Award, recognizing a company or individual who has made exceptional contributions to the mission of transforming lives affected by mental health struggles and addiction. It will be presented to Joe Matuscak, Riveon's chief marketing and development officer. - The Community Service Award, honoring a community leader who has given time, talent, energy, service and civic support for those suffering with mental health issues and the disease of addiction, will be presented to Meaden & Moore Wealth Center and HMS Industries LLC. - The John Longlais Award, honoring a Riveon staff member, board member or supporter in recognition of their exceptional work in the field of mental health and addiction treatment and prevention, will be presented to Todd Jaros, secretary on the Riveon board of directors and a pharmacist for Discount Drug Mart. "We are so very excited to recognize these wonderful people and organizations for their support of Riveon," Riveon CEO Don Schiffbauer said in a news release. "Their heartfelt ongoing contribution to our mission means a lot to our staff, board of directors and those seeking our mental health and recovery services." The event at the Embassy Suites Rockside in Independence will feature world-famous TV chef Andrew Zimmern as keynote speaker. An Emmy and four-time James Beard Award winner, Media personality, chef and writer, he is the creator, executive producer and host of the "Bizarre Foods" franchise and other endeavors, "he has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food, talking openly about his struggles overcoming addiction and achieving lasting sobriety," Riveon said. The event also includes fellowship, dinner, live and silent auctions. For more information, contact Joe Matuscak at (440) 989-4919 or jmatuscak@riveonhealth.org. For tickets, visit bidpal.net/riveongala2025.