Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


An upcoming gala will benefit a local non-profit that provides support and transitional housing for women recovering from substance abuse.

The Amber Reineck House will host its annual fundraising gala next Saturday, February 24th.

The non-profit works to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorder by building a recovery-friendly community, providing education, and increasing acceptance and support. It also provides transitional housing for women in Livingston County who are recovering from substance abuse.

President Courtney Atsalakis of Pinckney began the organization in memory of her sister Amber Reineck, who died of fentanyl poisoning on Christmas Eve in December of 2015 at the age of 33. After realizing there was no supportive sober living home for women in Livingston County, they established a home in Howell for women for the next steps in their recovery to have a supportive environment. It opened in September of 2020.

Atsalakis tells WHMI their home in Howell allows six women to live there at a time who struggle with substance use disorder, saying they’ve had a lot of success stories and “it’s been a phenomenal asset to the community”. The non-profit also does events in the community, mainly centered on education and stigma reduction around substance use disorder.

Atsalakis said she thinks their efforts have changed a lot for the community and helped people talk more openly and be able to share their struggles and experiences whether personal or with loved ones. She added it makes her proud that people feel comfortable to talk about what they’re going through instead of suffering alone.

The upcoming annual gala offers supporters an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the organization and learn about future initiatives while having an elegant evening out. Gala proceeds directly fund the maintenance and operations of the Amber Reineck House in Howell. It will take place from 6 to 11pm, with doors open at 5:30pm, at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township.

The event features a night of entertainment and fun with live music by The Sanctuary Band, dinner, chances to win one of 40+ themed raffle baskets, and a chance at winning cash prizes. Guests will also hear moving testimonies and inspiring words from community members. The Big Red Barrel will also be on-site for guests to safely dispose of any expired or unused medications.

Atsalakis said the event gets bigger and better every year, and they’re excited to celebrate again. She said the gala is an opportunity for the community to come together and see the effects that recovery support and education have in Livingston County – “helping people step out of the darkness and get their lives back.”

Individual tickets for the gala are $100, or guests can purchase a table for 10. More information is available in the attached release and provided link.