THINK OF MICHAEL FOUNDATION Treasurer Dick Dalton (left) and Vice President Jamie Dalton presented North Suffolk Mental Health Association Recovery Support Director Katie O’Leary with the Michael V. Dalton Making a Difference Award during the third annual Trivia Night fundraiser on May 26. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
DANVERS — Michael Dalton’s legacy continues to make a lasting impact.
The Think of Michael Foundation hosted its third annual Trivia Night fundraiser at the Breakaway in Danvers on May 26. The nonprofit organization last held Trivia Night in January 2020.
Five hundred residents came together to enjoy a fun night of trivia, have some laughs and raise money to help people suffering from substance use disorder. While proceeds from the event were still being tallied when the Villager went to press on Tuesday morning, Think of Michael Treasurer Dick Dalton anticipates the fundraiser raised around $112,000.
“We are very happy that Trivia Night was very successful once again,” said Dick in an interview with the Villager.
The Dalton and Cook families formed Think of Michael after Michael passed away from an opiate overdose while in outpatient treatment in January 2018. The nonprofit organization funds scholarships that allow people in recovery to stay at a sober house.
“We want to thank all of you for the support you have provided us,” said Think of Michael President Carmela Dalton said during Trivia Night. “Without your help, we could not do the work that we do.”
Think of Michael Foundation Vice President Jamie Dalton presented two Michael V. Dalton Making a Difference Awards during Trivia Night.
“The two winners this year are very special people,” said Jamie.
Jamie presented the first award to retired Assistant Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer for the District of Massachusetts Joe LaFratta. He currently serves as the director of mentors and program outreach for RecoveryWorks, which is a Massachusetts General Hospital program that helps people in recovery find employment opportunities that match their experiences and skill sets. Dick and Jamie both serve on the RecoveryWorks board of directors with LaFratta.
“Joe was honored by the U.S. attorney of Massachusetts in 2021 for his community outreach and service,” said Jamie. “I have been on the board of RecoveryWorks with Joe for the last three years or so. He is a mentor of mine, and I speak with him every week. Joe has been an invaluable resource, an inspiration and a sounding board. I take all of his advice. I cannot say enough good things about Joe LaFratta. He is always helping people. I want to thank Joe for everything he does for RecoveryWorks, the probation department and me personally as well. Congratulations Joe.”
After Jamie and Dick presented LaFratta with the Making a Difference Award, he was given a round of applause.
“It’s an unbelievable honor,” said LaFratta in an interview with the Villager. “The Think of Michael Foundation is a wonderful organization that helps so many folks in the community. I am absolutely honored to be apart of it and to be recognized by them.”
Jamie presented the second Michael V. Dalton Making a Difference Award to North Suffolk Mental Health Association (NSMHA) Recovery Support Services Director Katie O’Leary. Founded in 1959, NSMHA provides a variety of addiction and mental health services for people.
“For those of you who don’t know, Katie is my boss,” said Jamie. “Joe actually introduced me to Katie a long time ago, and Katie has helped me along the way personally. She does a great job leading our team every day. I couldn’t be more privileged and honored to work with such a great team and an amazing group of people. I have learned a lot of from Katie, and I continue to learn a lot from her. Katie has gotten the North Suffolk Mental Health Association contracts at hospitals, courts and pretty much everywhere. Katie continues to grow and expand our team. It is definitely a challenging job, and Katie leads us with grace, compassion and intelligence. It’s very inspiring to see everything she has done and accomplished. Congratulations Katie.”
O’Leary was given a round of applause after Jamie and Dick presented her with the award.
“I am really honored and humbled to receive this award,” said O’Leary in an interview with the Villager.
Dick said O’Leary and LaFratta are “very deserving of the recognition.” He recalled that the Michael V. Dalton Making a Difference Award has been previously presented to Magnolia New Beginnings founder Maureen Cavanagh, Select Board Chairman and A Healthy Lynnfield founder Phil Crawford, RecoveryWorks Founder/Director Dr. Estee Sharon, House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading), State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), former Dimock Center Behavioral Health Director Ruth Kelley and Cronin Group founder Jon Cronin, who also received the Martin J. Wash “Leadership in Recovery Award” two years ago.
“You just can’t fathom how committed people are to helping people,” said Dick. “These people do a lot of good, and are making a difference.”
The winners of Trivia Night were Chapters Recovery Center, which included Jade Palladino, Alia Albeer and Alani Lepke.
Kiss 108 FM radio host Billy Costa served as the special guest live auctioneer during Trivia Night. He previously served as the guest auctioneer during the January 2020 event.
“We have saved money for two years to be here tonight,” said Costa.
The live auction included a variety of items such as Boston Bruins tickets, tickets to Cirque de Soleil’s “Twas the Night Before,” a full-day fishing charter, dinner for six to Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, New England Patriots tickets, a pass for three people to the Old Sandwich Golf Club, a Lynnfield fire engine ride to school, a police cruiser ride with Chief Nick Secatore and a VIP experience at Fenway Park.
A bidding war erupted over a gourmet dinner for 12 that is going to be hosted by Carmela and Lynnfield native Louis DiBicarri, a popular Boston-based chef who has worked in a variety of high-end Boston restaurants such as L’Espalier and Tavern Road. Costa noted that the dinner will feature Carmela cooking her famous baked stuffed lobster and DiBiccari cooking his famous prime rib.
“I have never looked forward to cooking with someone as much as Mrs. Dalton,” said DiBiccari.
Phil and Ellen Crawford and a group of Michael’s friends were the winners of the dinner. Dick said the friends who won were Ryan Kelly, Chris Tashjian, Mike Higgins, Paul Nahjian, Bob Nagel, Brian Barnett and Mark D’Ambrosio.
“They were very close with Michael,” said Dick.
The fundraiser also included a silent auction.
Carmela thanked the Think of Michael Foundation Event Committee for helping make the third annual Trivia Night fundraiser a huge success. The committee consists of Natasha Anderson, Chris Barrett, Jenn Burnham, Pat Curley, Jim Bernadette, Audra Dalton, Candace Doucette, Jacqui Driscoll, Tony Ferullo, Louise Ferullo, Mark Ferullo, Jay Gardner, Patricia Hazelton, Nicole Lamar, Karen Littlefield, Pauline Marino, Maria Perry, Stephen Riley, Michelle Riley, Amanda Petrini, Tammy Ryan, Shirley Siciliano, and PJ and Lauren Varone.
“Our committee members are unbelievable,” said Carmela. “They work tirelessly and relentlessly. They are just amazing.”
Dick agreed.
“Thank you all so much for what you do,” said Dick. “Our family appreciates everyone’s support.”
Dick thanked all of Trivia Night’s sponsors, particularly Premier sponsor NSMHA.
“Thank you for not only being a sponsor, but thank you for what you do throughout the year,” said Dick. “All of you do a wonderful job.”
Dick said Trivia Night’s proceeds will allow the Think of Michael Foundation to continue helping people battling substance use disorder.
“We are looking forward to doing even better things now that the pandemic is hopefully behind us,” said Dick. “We are looking to expand our programs beyond sober house scholarships. We are looking to incorporate housing and workforce development because recovery needs a comprehensive approach. With your support and generosity, we can continue to make a difference.”
Carmela said Michael would have been incredibly touched that the community came out to honor his memory and legacy once again.
“I am sure Michael is smiling while looking down on us,” said Carmela. “God bless all of you. Thank you.”