Out of Tragedy Comes Hope

COURT HOUSE – Leigh Leckerman lost her life because of alcohol in 2003. In 2012 her family partnered with the Livengrin Foundation for Addiction Recovery to establish the Leigh Leckerman Scholarship Fund. The scholarship provides funding for those who would like to beat their addiction, but do not have the personal resources to pay for a rehabilitation facility. A few of the recipients of the Leigh Leckerman Fund are Cape May County residents who took advantage of the abundant services available at the Bensalem facility.
Denise Leckerman, stepmother to Leigh, said that when an addict recovers their family benefits, the community benefits, and this well-being continues to spider web out. “We are grateful to be able to start something like this and have something good come from our tragedy.”
Leckerman said the fund is well into its second year and has grown rapidly. In its first year, the organization raised over $75,000 and hopes to reach a higher monetary goal each year. All the money donated to the fund goes to assist recipients to overcome their addictions. The marketing and products sold to raise money are all donated and everyone involved in the scholarship volunteers his time.
“We have been very active in the recovery community in Bucks County,” said Leckerman. “Many resources and funds are available for people looking for help, but people don’t know about them.”
Those involved in the Leckerman Fund want to increase visibility about these resources so that addicts know that they are not alone. They provide outreach at events such as Livengrin’s Ride for Recovery and Bensalem’s Town Community Day and do local radio shows. They are also planning a Gala fundraiser sometime in August or September.
A huge boost of public awareness came when the Leigh Leckerman Scholarship Fund won the 2014 Philadelphia Eagles Teva Corp Community Achievement Award. The award has been given out by the Eagles for 20 years, said Leckerman.
“This was the first time an organization focusing on drug and alcohol addiction and treatment was recognized for the award,” said Leckerman.
Scholarship recipients are approved through established Livengrin protocols and remain anonymous to the Leckerman organization. However, many recipients have contacted the Leckerman’s and personally thanked them for the opportunity to receive help. Some have given back by volunteering their stories in support of the fund, said Leckerman.
Those interested in supporting individuals in their battle for sobriety can donate right from the Livengrin website at www.livengrin.org/leigh. Visit the Leigh Leckerman Scholarship Fund Facebook page for additional information.
“Everyone knows someone who needs help, but it is a matter of if they want it,” said Leckerman.