Norwalk, Conn. -- The Halstead/Metroflor Addiction Crisis Team (HMAC) fundraiser honoring Harlan Stone, president and group CEO of parent company HMTX Industries LLC, raised $90,000 through sponsorships, a silent auction and a “paddle raise,” to support nonprofit rehabilitation organizations, offering support to addicts and their families. Held Sept. 26, at Harbor Lights in Norwalk, Conn., the evening’s net proceeds will help fund 501-C3 tax exempt organization(s).

The event's donations will fund the scholarships at the following rehabilitation and education facilities: The Blanchard Institute, Charlotte, N.C.; Damascus Road Recovery, Covington, Ga.; Genesis Ministries, Kennesaw, Ga.; Hope House Ministries, Port Jefferson, N.Y.; Thomas’ Hope, West Babylon, N.Y.; and Davis Direct Foundation, Marietta, Ga.

Compassion was a major theme of the evening. In receiving the recognition, Stone thanked his employees for empowering themselves, by reaching into their hearts and supporting this vital cause. He urged the audience to extend the same compassion he received during his journey through cancer, to the disease of addiction.

“We have to stop stigmatizing an illness and start treating it with what we’re made of that’s good,” said Stone. “If you think it’s OK to blame someone because they’re addicted, you’re wrong. This requires love. John Lennon had it right: All you need is love.”

Paul Eanes, vice president of new business development for Metroflor, added, “The Path To Resilience dinner honoring Harlan was an unbelievable success. We had well over one hundred donors in attendance, from all backgrounds--customers, vendors, press, and friends of the Stone family--all with the objective of assisting us in our great fight against the disease of addiction.”

The proceeds from the evening of inspiration, music, and hope supports HMAC’s goal of raising $500,000 over the next two years, through a “Save an Addict. Save a Family” donation page, new website, and other activities, which will be matched dollar for dollar by the Stone family for a total of $1 million.

For more information, visit www.hmacfund.org.