On Thursday we gathered at the Four Seasons in Washington DC for our 5th Annual DC Gala. Over 150 guests attended this year’s event, along with our keynote speaker, Marfé Ferguson, who shared a touching story of her families journey through recovery at Ashley. We celebrated recovery in our fellowship, our hearts and our presentation of the annual Michael K. Deaver Service Award to honor the legacy of a truly remarkable man and to recognize and honor individuals in the DC region who not only exhibit the best of a life in Recovery, but also outstanding service to those seeking their own path to Recovery. The Michael K. Deaver Service Award is in the form of the iconic Tiffany’s Georgetown Bowl. Crafted from a piece in Thomas Jefferson’s original household collection, the bowl is hand-etched with a ring of oak leaves and features the inscription, “Washington D.C. Leadership Council, Michael K. Deaver Service Award 2019, Presented to Shahab Nasrin.” 

Our honoree of the Michael K. Deaver Service award this year, Shahab Nasrin, is a dedicated Ashley Alumnus and esteemed member of the Ashley DC Leadership Council. At only fifteen years old, Shahab emigrated from Iran and settled in America, attending the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland. Shahab earned a bachelor’s degree in Urban Development from American University in Washington, DC. Later in life, he struggled with substance use disorder and alcoholism then found his way to Ashley in January of 2003. His time at Ashley’s beautiful, tranquil campus on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay changed his life in a positive, everlasting way. Shahab instantly embraced the connection side of recovery, becoming close with many of the Ashley staff, including the late Rev. Leonard Dahl: a good friend who later baptized his daughter. Shahab also had the privilege of working his first step with Ashley co-founder Father Martin. His early recovery was so important to him that he would often take a bus, train, and cab to Recovery Enrichment Day at Ashley. He even kept his first train ticket—a treasured token of remembrance—from Union Station to Aberdeen. This award is given for outstanding service in the recovery community. We see continued evidence of Shahab’s tireless service work that deeply impacts the entire DC recovery community. He founded the Ashley DC Alumni Chapter, a 12-step meeting that meets  monthly to provide Ashley alumni the opportunity to share their life-changing experience at Ashley and to support the newcomer beginning his or her life in recovery. Now with over 16 years of recovery, Shahab’s passion in working the 12th step remains steadfast and true to Ashley’s mission: Everything for Recovery.

If you weren’t able to make the event or did not have a chance to donate, there’s still time! Each donation will help provide funds for those who may be unable to afford the cost of treatment.

Thank you for your support!