Wayside House Appreciation Dinner

The Wayside House Appreciation Dinner Honors Leaders in the Community

The Wayside House Appreciation Dinner, held on February 3, 2011, brought together a crowd of more than 100 people to celebrate the leadership of six extraordinary and accomplished individuals from the community who have dedicated themselves to wellness. Held at Benvenuto’s Restaurant in Boynton Beach, the event was hosted by the Wayside House Board of Directors and chaired by Kathryn J. Leonard. Lead sponsorship came from C.P. and Brenda Medore, with contributing sponsorships from Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Backer; Mrs. Ina Bond; Mr. Richard Leonard; Mackenzie Golf Foundation, Inc.; Mr. and Mrs. William Marx; Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. McDonald; Mr. and Mrs. George McElroy; Mr. and Mrs. Harold J. Soderberg; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sywolski; Mr. and Mrs. Carl E. Touhey; Mrs. Barbara B. Walker-Hare and Mrs. Elaine Wold. Honored were Pete and Alice Dye, Larry and Meg Eaton, Marie Ludwick and Susie Souder. Each has generously made a difference in the wellness community; each has demonstrated a true commitment to volunteerism.

Iconic figures in the game of golf both as highly ranked amateurs and as world renowned golf course designers, Pete and Alice Dye have devoted much of their lives to fitness and wellness. The dynamic twosome remains youthful by continuing to design courses and play golf. When not on the fairway, the Dyes focus on important causes. Long time supporters of Wayside House, Pete and Alice deeply believe in the treatment program that is offered to those women and families who turn to the Recovery Campus in need. Their belief in Wayside House is evidenced by their named sponsorship of the Pete & Alice Dye Invitational – an annual event that raises funds for Wayside House and an awareness of addiction in our community.

With indefatigable determination, Larry and Meg Eaton embrace community leadership and serve as an example to those who might otherwise choose not to get involved. Meg’s volunteer efforts on behalf of at-risk populations have revolved around programs at the Achievement Centers for Children and Families. Reaching out to those most vulnerable for poverty, abuse, abandonment and neglect, Meg has given hope to children and parents. Larry, a bank vice president and financial advisor, has, since 1991, served on the CRC Recovery Foundation. A strong advocate for recovery and rehabilitation programs, Larry is a member of the Delray Beach Drug Task Force. He dedicates his efforts to the memory of a college roommate who lost his life to a drug overdose.

Thanks to an intuitive entrepreneurial spirit and a deep commitment to healthy living, Marie Ludwick has been helping people redirect their lives through safe and effective dieting practices for close to 40 years. Earning the reputation as one of Weight Watchers International’s top franchisees, Marie retired in 2007. Her interest in Wayside House and its recovery mission has been long standing. She has actively served on the Wayside House board of directors for some 10 years, lending her business acumen at meetings and strategic planning sessions. Generously sharing her own personal story with the residents of Wayside House and the community at large, Marie is an inspiration to all.

Susie Souder has been an important force in the community since settling in South Florida more than 40 years ago. Her dedication to the well-being of children is reflected through her generosity to the Gulf Stream School’s endowment program and capital building projects. She is a patron of educational programs, a pillar of her church and a champion for historical preservation. Susie first learned about Wayside House in the 1970s, through Wayside House co-founder Susan B. Anthony. Over the years she has developed a keen awareness of Wayside House’s accomplishments as a treatment facility for women with addictions and co-occurring conditions. Susie demonstrates her support through involvement in Wayside House events and through consistent generosity.

After dinner, Jill W. Reece, executive director of Wayside House, spoke about Wayside House and its commitment to wellness. Perry O’Neal, Wayside House Board of Directors president and Barbara Backer, Wayside House Board of Directors first vice-president, closed the evening by presenting the honorees with awards.

Wayside House 2011 Appreciation Dinner Photo Album

(Photography by Jim Greene)