An organization that is important to Stephanie Hansen, vice president and general manager at Masque Sound, Road Recovery was founded in 1998 by music industry veterans Gene Bowen, a tour manager and recovering addict, and Jack Bookbinder, an artist manager who struggles with Type II diabetes, to help young people battle addiction and other adversities by harnessing the influence of entertainment industry professionals who have confronted similar crises and now wish to share their experience, knowledge and resources.
"Currently in its 16th year, Road Recovery, a non-profit organization rooted in the music industry, needs our support more than ever in order to reach the ever-growing numbers of young people and their families who are seeking help," says Hansen. "We understand how important it is to be able to give back to the community and couldn't be more proud to give our time and capital to an organization from our industry that needs the support in order to make a difference. We strongly encourage and hope that others in our industry get involved and offer their support to this great organization."
With assistance from leading professionals in the mental health field, Road Recovery provides hands-on mentorship training, educational/performance workshops, peer-support networking, and "all access" to real-life opportunities by collaborating with young people to create and present live-concert events and recording projects.
In addition to the support Road Recovery has received from leading companies in the audio and music industries, such as the late Phil Ramone and Steve Lillywhite, Road Recovery has garnered support from several celebrities who have rolled up their sleeves and plugged in, giving so much of themselves to the charity's kids including Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, John Varvatos, Denis Leary, among others.
"Organizations such as Road Recovery play a vital role in the support of our youth today, as they face so many adversities and struggles," adds Hansen. "We are inspired by the amazing work that Gene, Jack and the rest of the wonderful people at Road Recovery have done since 1998 and are thrilled to support the organization's efforts, so that they can continue their exceptional community outreach in the years ahead."
"We are extremely thankful to Stephanie Hansen and the team at Masque Sound for their generous donation," says Gene Bowen. "Masque Sound's commitment and support, along with that of the many artists and music industry companies we work with, is what allows Road Recovery to continue its mission. I further express our thanks for Masque's willingness to spread the word, and opportunities concerning Road Recovery, to companies in the music industry and professionals who might be looking to get involved."
(Jim Evans)