Rev. Hugh Laughlin Distinguished Service Award

Walt Keller 2006 winner of Rev. Hugh Laughlin Distinguished Service Award

It was a hot, humid night in Bloomington on June 8th, 2006, but inside Trinity Episcopal Church's Great Hall, it was a cool, pleasant night for an indoor picnic of sorts. About 100 members of the Bloomington community gathered for the Amethyst House Celebration of Recovery. Small camping lanterns magically lit up the Great Hall. There were freshly baked cookies on each table with plenty of people to enjoy them. Past and present AH clients mingled with AH staff, board members, and long-time supporters of AH. The gathering highlighted the process of recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. AH has been providing services for more than 25 years touching the lives and the hearts of residents of Monroe County and beyond. AH alumni's David C. humbly shared the story of his addicted life and his transition to recovery. Many in the audience were brought to tears as David shared his lack of hope while living as practicing addict. He offered a wonderful account of how AH services helped him cement the cracks in his newly sober life. Following David's story, the audience was treated to a historical celebration. The annual Rev. Hugh Laughlin Distinguished Service Award was given in the same church where the late Father Hugh served for many years. Previous recipient Jon Fitch introduced the 2005 recipient, Rosie Neff. Rosie proudly introduced Walt Keller as this year's award winner. In her charismatic style, she recalled stories describing her relationship with Walt during the years. The evening was concluded with Walt giving a heart-felt keynote address, thanking family members, friends and colleagues in the recovery community.

Rosie Neff 2005 winner of Rev. Hugh Laughlin Distinguished Service Award

Judge Ken Todd Recieves the Rev. Hugh Laughlin Distinguished Service Award, May 19, 2005

The Amethyst House is pleased to announce that Judge Kenneth Todd received the Rev. Hugh Laughlin Distinguished Service Award at their recent Graduation/Celebration Event held on Thursday, May 5th, 2005 at the John Waldron Arts Center Auditorium.

Rev. Hugh Laughlin was a long standing supporter and board member of Amethyst House as well as an advocate for people with addictions. As a way of memorializing his dedicated service to the population Amethyst House serves, a service award was commemorated to be awarded annually to a member of the community who exemplifies service to those who are addicted.

Judge Kenneth Todd was selected to receive the award because of his long-standing support and advocacy for people with addictions, as well as to the Amethyst House. Judge Todd was instrumental in bringing a drug court to Monroe County, which helps addicted individuals return to healthy and productive lives.

Amethyst House is a Bloomington based, not-for-profit United Way agency that provides high quality, structured living environments, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with addictions. Amethyst House also operates an outpatient treatment center in Evansville.