By Larry and Barb Hurst,
On September 15, Harbor Bay Yacht Club will sponsor the third Robby’s Voice Regatta, an afternoon of racing in Sandusky Bay for fun and a very worthy cause.
This year Robby’s Voice is supporting Rosie’s Playhouse, a volunteer non-profit organization devoted to providing a support program to children (5-12 years) whose lives have been affected by a loved ones addiction. The no-cost program offers an opportunity to learn healthy coping skills and age appropriate education addiction. To learn more click here —> Rosie’s playhouse
For those not familiar with Robby’s Voice, here is a little background.Robby’s Voice was founded by the Brandt family following the death of Robby Brandt from a heroin overdose. He was 20 years old and the grandson of Bob and Jeannie Brandt. A few months after the funeral his parents found a notebook containing information about a web site that he had planned to start to help young people suffering from addiction. In April of 2012, the Brandt family became Robby’s Voice. The original purpose was to bring education and awareness about addiction to a few local schools. In the 61/2 years since, Robby’s Voice has been heard by over 100,000 students, parents, educators, first responders and those suffering from addiction in 10 counties. The family works actively with addicts at Rosary Hall, a detox unit imbedded within St. Vincent Charity hospital in Cleveland, hearing their stories and offering hope for their future. They are members of the Cuyahoga and Medina County Opiate Task Forces and their respective ADAMHS Boards. Involvement with Ohio’s Attorney General, the DEA, FBI and the Department of Justice has brought Robby’s Voice to a whole new level of involvement. In April of 2017 they were humbled and honored to be the recipients of the FBI’s Community Service Award presented in Washington DC by James Comey. In 2018, The Medina County ADAMHS and Health Boards presented Bob and Jeannie with an award for “Bring Help, Bringing Hope” to those suffering from addiction.
In March of 2016, Robby’s Voice started a family support group called Family Matters located in Medina. They meet every Monday night for 2 hours offering education and support to families with addicted members. A second location that meets on Thursday nights in Wadsworth was added in July with a third planned for sometime in 2019 for Cuyahoga County.
In August, Robby’s Voice signed a contract with The Mercy Health System to develop a program designed to educate their medical staff on addiction, treatment and recovery. This will be presented to all facilities across Ohio. All of this is the culmination by the hard work of dedicated people who are Robby’s Voice.
To learn more about Robby’s Voice, click here —-> Robby’s Voice
Please support Robby’s Voice by joining the regatta with your family and friends.The Notice of Race is available on the HBYC website and on the bulletin boards. HBYC is planning another great social for Saturday evening, September 15 at the Clubhouse.
“You Gotta Regatta for Robby’s Voice”
