Butler SUCCEED opens doors for alternative NYE celebration
While some households lit off fireworks and toasted with Champagne to celebrate New Year’s Eve, others piled into Slippery Rock University’s Butler SUCCEED building on Main Street for a more low-key celebration.
It was the third annual Sober New Year’s Day party, targeted at individuals who are recovering from an addiction and may be easily triggered into relapse by the holiday but are still looking for some fun to ring in the new year.
The event is a joint collaboration between Butler SUCCEED and Slippery Rock University’s Institute for Nonprofit Leadership.
“The turnout has been good,” said Donna Jenereski, director of drug and alcohol programs for Butler County. “If one person shows up, it’s worth it.”
The dozens who attended spent much of their time playing bingo, singing karaoke, and taking part in creative challenges with prizes at stake. One attendee, Carrie Hall, won a beauty gift set including lotions.
“I’m here for some sober fun,” said Hall. “I’m a recovering alcoholic.”
The doors to Butler SUCCEED opened at 9 p.m. and stayed open long enough for partygoers to watch the ball drop at midnight.
“We plan to be here until 1 a.m., so if people stay, we’ll be here until 1 a.m. and we’ll clean it up,” Jenereski said.
