Recovery event at Ro-Na Saturday

Published 9:56 am Friday, January 15, 2016

The Ro-Na Theater will host a free recovery-centered concert on Saturday with music and guest speakers.

The “Illumin8” recovery concert series, presented by Real Life Ministries, is a new event with the goal of encouraging recovery for those struggling and bringing people together. Rick Sturgill, of Real Life Ministries, along with Ironton resident and drummer of Genuine Remedy, Scott Raney, organized the event.

“My motivation for wanting to get involved in this event came from me being in recovery from addiction and alcohol. I was addicted to pain pills and alcohol for more than 15 years, so I know what it’s like to be hopeless,” Raney said. “I believe seeing people talk about how they are getting through day to day and not wanting to use brings hope to an addict or alcoholic.”

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Raney will be five years clean in June without a drink or drug and says he owes it to the community to carry the message of how he changed his life one day at a time.

“You have to change your surroundings and get involved with people who are not using,” he said. “My support comes from my wife, family, and band, Genuine Remedy.”

Raney went to several businesses and got more than 30 sponsors to pay for the event, which is free, has free food and door prizes.

“I like to tell people that you can’t change your past, but you can change your path. I think it’s important to realize that so you can move on with your recovery,” Raney said. “All of our speakers at this event are in recovery and know what it’s like to feel hopeless also. With this concert we will carry the message throughout the Tri-State and share what God is doing in our lives.”

Headlining the concert is Raney’s band, Genuine Remedy, with Arcey opening. Speakers are Rocky Meadows, Robb Oldham, Amy Compstom and Kevin West. Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith will also be a special guest.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and music starts at 6.