Roscoe

Live R.E.A.L. to host benefit at The District

Proceeds will help prevent substance use deaths.

Jean Seegers

Sep 15, 2022 — 2 min read

Rock out with Rockford's top hair band, or just give money to fight substance abuse.

The District Bar and Grill, 205 W. State St. in Rockford, will host a benefit for Live R.E.A.L. Foundation on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. The Foundation promotes Narcan training, drug abuse awareness, and educational programs about the dangers of substance use of opioid drugs.

The tribute band, “Sunset Strip” will be on stage providing live 80’s rock music throughout the evening. They will begin performing at 8 p.m.

Come early and take part in a silent auction beginning at 6 p.m.

Dress in your best 80’s glam n’ jam and compete for cash prizes.

VIP tickets are available through Sept. 23 (only a few tables left). General admission is $25, VIP tickets are $125 and $200.

Tickets available at the door (but prices go up the day of the show) or through Eventbrite.

Food and drinks (free soft drinks) will be available throughout the evening.

Terry and Bev Pomering lost their son Alex in 2019. Alex's death, which was due to an overdose of heroin laced with fentanyl, came a few weeks before he would have turned 21.

“We didn’t know he had an opioid addiction until the sheriff officer knocked on our door,” Bev said.

The officer said they had administered Narcan, an antidote that counteracts the effects of the overdose and he was able to bring Alex back to life, but it was administered too late to save him.

Alex had been using heroin, cocaine and alcohol from the age of 13, but told friends that he couldn’t talk to his family. “He was ashamed,” his mother said.

Following his death, Bev began a crusade to bring awareness of drug abuse, and to educate as many people as possible to the atrocity and pain of drug addiction and mental illness.

She started Live R.E.A.L (Live Relational, Empathetic, Authentic and Loving), a not-for-profit 501c3 charitable organization.

She is now executive director of the Live R.E.A.L Foundation. Jessica Zimbalman serves as President.

Bev is the face of Live R.E.A. L. and can be seen every month at Rockton River Market, handing out brochures and providing information. Seminars and guest speakers present information at local schools and organizations.

Her ultimate vision is to see significant reduction in deaths from drug overdose by the year 2026.

In addition to promoting awareness, Bev and the Foundation are continuously finding ways to raise money to cover the expense of bringing in experts to talk about awareness, substance abuse and Narcan training.