Caron Treatment Centers event raises record $1.3 million for scholarships
May 2—Caron Treatment Centers raised $1.3 million for scholarships during its annual celebration this week, the most ever in the event's 34 year history, Caron officials said.
The South Heidelberg Township-based nonprofit specializes in substance use disorder and behavioral health treatment, education, prevention and research.
It will use the money it raised toward treatment scholarships and programs for clients seeking its services, officials said.
Last year Caron provided more than $5 million in financial help for people receiving treatment assistance, officials said.
The celebration was held Wednesday evening at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Reading, with about 600 in attendance.
Honored during the event was Berks County businessman Jim Boscov, who received the 2024 Richard J. Caron Award of Excellence.
Caron presents the award annually to an individual or couple who demonstrates caring and support for the organization's cause, officials said.
"Jim stands as a pillar of our community, his unwavering commitment and genuine compassion coupled with his tireless contributions to the lives of so many has made a significant impact throughout Berks County," said John Driscoll, CEO of Caron Treatment Centers.
Boscov is chairman and CEO of Reading-based Boscov's department store chain and is the third generation of the Boscov family leading the company. He oversees its 50 stores in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
He also serves on the board of Caron and Tower Health, and previously served on the boards of the Berks County Community Foundation, Berks County United Way, Alvernia University and the South Mountain YMCA, among other charitable organizations.
"Jim and the Boscov's community have been advocates and supporters of substance use prevention, education and recovery for decades," Driscoll said.
Boscov said he has known numerous people who received life-changing treatment for alcohol or drug addiction from Caron, or who had a loved one who benefitted from that treatment.
It's uplifting to hear those stories of people who remain sober, Boscov said, and it is a testament to the effectiveness of Caron's programs.
"I really believe in what they do," Boscov said of Caron. "I've heard the success stories firsthand."
The money raised for the celebration will help provide scholarships and financial assistance to some who otherwise could not afford to receive that treatment, including some from Berks, Boscov said.
Caron has in-patient treatment centers in South Heidelberg and Delray Beach, Fla., and four out-patient facilities, including its recently expanded office in Wyomissing.
Also honored at the event was Berks-based Customers Bank, which received Caron's Partner in Recovery Award for its support of the nonprofit and its volunteer leadership. The company also served as presenting sponsor of the celebration.
