Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 9, 2024 8th annual Malden Overcoming Addiction Day a tremendous success Special to The Advocate O n Saturday, August 3, 2024, we celebrated our annual family day, Malden Overcomes Day. Malden Overcomes Day is held each year to give back to the community and to recognize the commitment and tireless efforts of Malden Overcoming Addiction (MOA), its supporters and the City of Malden. On this warm, sunny day, families and children moved from the bouncy houses and water slides to the splash pad. They played games organized by MOA volunteers, including more than 20 high school volunteers from the Malden Teen Enrichment Center, Malden High School Key Club, National Honor Society, their alumni and the Y Leaders. The sack races, Hula-Hoops, water balloon toss and tug-of-war were big hits. There was plenty of food, cold drinks and slush for all of those in attendance. We at Malden Overcoming Addiction have much to be grateful for. Our volunteers, City officials and nonprofit partners come together each year to make this a signature event for our organization. MOA President Paul Hammersley remarked: “It is always so nice to give back to our community! Thank you, Malden, for your heartfelt support, we are beyond grateful.” A special shout out to Malden Mayor Gary Christenson for opening our event with speaking about the decrease in overdoses within our community due to the hard work and dedication that Malden Overcoming Addiction brings to the City of Malden. Thank you to all of the various city departments who helped us coordinate the event. Thank you to our city and state officials who came by to show their support. Thank you to numerous local organizations who provided resource tables. Thank you, Josh London, for the amazing photos and to Bread of Life for all of the cold drinks! During this year’s event we remembered a longtime supporter of MOA, Mr. Bill Dempsey, who passed away in June of this year. Mr. Dempsey sponsored our family day last year, and we appreciate his family’s continuous support and commitment to Malden Overcoming Addiction and our programs. Mayor Gary Christenson was all smiles. Paul, Lisa & Bella Hammersley enjoying the beautiful weather Charlie could not be happier to take a much-needed break. The splash pad was a huge hit on a hot day. Casey & Braden enjoying the day MOA Supporter Tim Perry shared a part of his story. The food line was hopping. MOA President Paul Hammersley having way too much fun at tug-of-war. All fun & games at the slip ’n slide The volunteers were hard at work.
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