The Mae Abraham Legacy Luncheon

The 2025 Mae Abraham Legacy Luncheon

Join us May 15th, 2025 to celebrate Co-Founder of Ashley Addiction Treatment, Mae Abraham, as we pay tribute to a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to the cause of recovery. Registration will begin at 11:00 AM with the Luncheon and Program to follow at 11:30 AM. The luncheon will be held at Ashley’s beautiful main campus, 800 Tydings Lane, Havre de Grace, MD 21078.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Rachel Pappert Docekal, MBA, Ed.D.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Rachel Pappert Docekal as the Keynote Speaker for the 18th Annual Mae Abraham Legacy Luncheon.

Dr. Docekal is a visionary leader and changemaker whose career spans more than two decades in philanthropy, organizational leadership, and social impact. As the Chief Executive Officer of Hanley Foundation, she is at the forefront of innovative strategies that support addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery. Her inspiring leadership is fueled by a deep commitment to creating a future where healing and hope are accessible to all.

With a wealth of experience from roles in higher education, nonprofit management, and civic engagement, Dr. Docekal brings a powerful message of possibility, transformation, and purpose. She is a passionate advocate for advancing community well-being and helping individuals move beyond limitations to realize their full potential. We look forward to her uplifting keynote as she joins us to celebrate recovery and honor the legacy of Mae Ashley Abraham.

The Mae Abraham Legacy Award

This award recognizes women who have advanced the field of alcohol and addiction treatment through their leadership, organizational and community involvement, educational accomplishments and service to others.

The nominee supports the mission of Ashley through her committed service and sense of community.  She exhibits leadership characteristics through her professional and personal endeavors and has a willingness to serve and assist other women in their development as it relates to the field of addiction

Honoring the 2025 Mae Abraham Legacy Award Recipient: Denise Bertin-Epp, RN, MS

With more than 40 years of service in healthcare and behavioral health leadership, Denise Bertin-Epp has dedicated her career to helping children and families impacted by substance use disorders. A powerful advocate, mentor, and changemaker, Denise continues to inspire recovery, healing, and hope across generations. We are proud to recognize her exceptional legacy of compassion, advocacy, and service.

Sponsorships & Tickets

$150 – Individual Ticket

$1000 – Bronze Sponsor

Four (4) Tickets and program recognition

$2,500 – Silver Sponsor

One table (8 seats) with program and signage recognition

$5,000 – Gold Sponsor  

1 VIP table (8 seats) – VIP table location with program and signage recognition

$10,000 – Platinum Sponsor

2 VIP tables (16 seats) – VIP table location with program, signage, and podium recognition

$15,000 – Diamond Sponsor

2 VIP tables (16 seats) – VIP table location with digital, program, signage, and podium recognition with an opportunity to welcome guests from podium

If you have any questions contact the Development Office at Development@AshleyTreatment.org or 410-273-2234.

Mae Abraham’s Legacy

While seeking more information and help with alcoholism, Mae met Father Joseph C. Martin at one of his eye-opening “chalk talks” at Johns Hopkins University. He identified alcoholism as a disease — not a moral failing. He didn’t preach or demoralize. After hearing him speak, Mae said she could finally accept what was wrong with her. That night she stopped drinking and remained sober for the rest of her life.

In 1976, Mae proposed that she and Father Martin open a recovery facility so people with substance use disorder could learn about their addiction and recover from it. Known for her passion and persistence, Mae was the driving force behind fundraising enough money to acquire Sen. Millard Tydings’ former estate in Havre de Grace, Maryland, to eventually open and begin treating patients for substance use disorder on January 17^th, 1983.

Now known as Ashley Addiction Treatment, the treatment center Mae and Father Martin founded has helped to change countless lives. Mae remained very involved with Ashley throughout her life, giving talks and serving as the personification of sobriety. Despite her death on August 23, 2019, at the age of 92, Mae continues to be a symbol of hope and healing.

The Mae Abraham Scholarship Fund

The Mae Abraham Legacy Luncheon was established to honor our co-founder, Mae Abraham. We pay tribute to a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to the cause of recovery while raising money for the Mae Abraham Scholarship Fund. The funds raised are dedicated to supporting women seeking substance use disorder services and recovery assistance at Ashley. Since 2012, this fund has gone on to help women who would not qualify for any other fund, are underinsured, or uninsured. Helping to cover full days, or partial days of treatment.

Donate to the Mae Abraham Scholarship Fund

If you’re unable to join us for the Mae Luncheon but would still like to support our mission, consider making a donation to the Mae Abraham Scholarship Fund. Your contribution helps provide access to life-changing treatment and recovery for women who need it most. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact on someone’s journey toward healing.