Celebrating Hope in Memory of Gary: A Day of Music and Remembrance

In an effort to raise awareness about substance misuse and to commemorate a beloved son, Joyce Schulman is turning her family's tragedy into a force for good with the upcoming "Day for Hope." The event, set to take place on Saturday, June 7th, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Germania Festival Grounds in Poughkeepsie, promises to be a celebration filled with music, community, and support.

Schulman, who tragically lost her son Gary to fentanyl poisoning, is working closely with the Mark Foundation for this meaningful event. The Mark Foundation is known for its dedication to addiction recovery services, and Joyce’s personal connection with them stems from Gary's time in one of their supportive sober homes.

"Gary was our son. He passed away on February 17th, 2022, a month shy of his 41st birthday," recalls Joyce. "He was a gentle person who loved his family, his daughter, and music. In his honor, we wanted to create a fundraiser that would be fun and happy, a joyous occasion rather than a somber one."

The festival will feature live performances by a lineup including the Adlers, Vito Petto, David Laughin, Rick Solder, and Circus Riot, along with activities such as face painting for children. Attendees can look forward to a variety of delicious barbecue offerings, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, chicken, and vegetarian options.

The event aims to not only celebrate Gary’s life but also shed light on the pervasive issue of substance misuse. "Never say never," Joyce emphasizes. "I'm willing to bet that nine out of ten people have known someone affected by drug abuse, whether a family member, friend, or coworker."

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by contacting Joyce at 845-489-4758 or via email at schonmannjoyce@gmail.com. While admission is a $25 donation, the event relies on community support through sponsorships and individual contributions, with all proceeds going to the Mark Foundation.

"This isn’t just about remembering Gary," says Schulman. "It’s about helping others. Our hope is that, through events like this, we can save just one person. That alone makes it all worthwhile."

For more information about the Mark Foundation and to support their mission, visit their website at markfoundation.org. Join Joyce Schulman, the Showman family, and the community in making a difference, sharing joy, and raising awareness, one day of hope at a time.

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