10th Annual “Be a Hero” Gala

October 16, 2025

Thank you to those that attended this year's atTAcK addiction Gala.

On behalf of atTAcK addiction, we say thank you to all of our sponsors and the more than 240 attendees for a successful and meaningful Be a Hero Gala on October 16th at the Executive Banquet Center in Newark. We honored individuals from across the state who are making a difference in the response to the opioid epidemic in Delaware and in reducing the stigma associated with addiction.

Relive the memories!

2025 Medal of Honor Recipient

Peggy Geisler, Executive Director, Sussex County Health Coalition

Peggy leads the Delaware Goes Purple movement, champions behavioral health outreach in Sussex County, and is a strong partner with atTAcK addiction.

For almost 20 years, the Sussex County Health Coalition has worked to bring the entire community together to improve the health and well-being of children, youth and families, including reducing overdose deaths, supporting prevention and recovery initiatives, and increasing access to behavioral health supports.

In its seventh year, Delaware Goes Purple is a movement dedicated to reducing stigma, raising awareness about substance use disorder, and celebrating recovery. The initiative unites communities, schools, businesses, faith groups and other leaders with a simple message: Recovery is possible.

The award winners were:

Medal of Honor
Peggy Geisler, Executive Director, Sussex County Health Coalition

Sponsored by: Rita Landgraf
Blue Heart Award
Sarah Fogarty, Behavioral Health Outreach and Peer Services Coordinator, Beebe Healthcare

Sponsored by: PMG Consulting
Distinguished Service Award
Carrie Leishman, President and CEO, Delaware Restaurant Association

Sponsored by: Recovery Innovations
Medal of Valor
Katie Hall

Sponsored by: Hope on Deck and 302 Earle’s Legacy/One Step Ahead
Courage Award
Vince Douglas, Regional Alumni Relations Coordinator, Recovery Centers of America at Bracebridge Hall

Sponsored by: Impact Life
Unsung Hero Award
Dawn and Mark Hearn, Sussex County atTAcK addiction Contributors

Sponsored by: Oxford House
Persistence Award
Holly Rybinski, Prevention Program Manager, Brandywine Counseling & Community Services, Inc.

Sponsored by: Chahalis Ward Group at UBS
Special Recognition
Corie Priest, Community Engagement Program Administrator, Delaware Department of Justice
Brad Billet, Executive Banquet Center
Outstanding Volunteers
Karen Godfrey, atTAcK addiction/Impact Resource Center
Eileen Campbell, atTAcK addiction Tabling Events
Legacy Awards:
Don and Jeanne Keister
Joyce and Wayne White