AVALON, NJ – On August 14, the Michael Karayannis Waves to Wellness Foundation successfully held its Second Annual Fishing Tournament on the Miss Avalon fishing yacht. Waves to Wellness was created by the Karayannis family to honor their late son and brother Michael, as well as help other families that are affected by the devastation that Substance Use Disorder (SUD) causes them.

The annual Fishing Tournament fundraiser directly supports their programs and mission to raise awareness about SUD, provide education for prevention and early intervention to families, and support those in and seeking recovery. Waves to Wellness’ goal is to change the conversation surrounding SUDs by breaking the stigma and shame that prevents individuals from seeking treatment and skills to live a life in recovery.

Kiki Karayannis, mom, nurse and founder of Waves to Wellness, said that “we are still fighting the silent yet ever-increasing Opioid crisis, which has soared amidst the isolation of COVID-19. In 2020, drug overdose deaths increased by nearly 30% from 2019, estimating the death of 93,331 individuals.”

Waves to Wellness has been combating this. This year alone Waves to Wellness supported over 30 individuals through their recovery grants, facilitating a stable transition between inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient care. They have also launched a free professional family support group, prepared and served shelter meals, and meet the urgent needs of recovery homes, including the delivery of 16 new beds allowing 16 individuals to safely continue their recovery journey. In addition, they have created new partnerships with local recovery homes. All of this is possible due to their very generous donors and supporters.

For more information about Waves to Wellness and their programs, visit: wavestowellness.org.