Whoopie Pie Waddle 5K raised over $23K to support women’s recovery program

Representatives from Compass Recovery, Joey’s Deli, and the Michael J. Dias Foundation joined together for a photo at the event in Forest Park. (Photo Credit: SScheerportrait via Michael J Dias Foundation)

Sponsorship levels for the event ranged from individual team entries to Platinum-level contributors who gave $5,000 or more. This broad support helped the fundraiser exceed its goal, showcasing the community’s commitment to addressing addiction and supporting recovery.

“The need for sober-living opportunities for women in our region is tremendous,” said Isabel Martins, Vice-President of the Michael J. Dias Foundation Board. “We are so grateful to Compass Recovery for hosting the Whoopie Pie Waddle II and to every single participant, sponsor, and donor who made this event such a success. This support brings us significantly closer to opening a home that will provide women in recovery with stability, dignity, and hope.”

The success of the Whoopie Pie Waddle II underscores the community’s commitment to supporting recovery resources for women. With the funds raised, the Michael J. Dias Foundation is closer to opening a new sober-living home, offering stability and hope to women in recovery.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Whoopie Pie Waddle II, a 5K run/walk to support a new recovery program for women, raised over $23,000.

Compass Recovery and Joey’s Deli have teamed up to raise funds for the Michael J. Dias Foundation. The foundation was created in memory of Michael J. Dias, a Ludlow native who passed away at a young age due to substance addiction.

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The May event held at Forest Park in Springfield drew hundreds of participants from across the region, all committed to recovery, wellness, and community. The funds raised will help cover critical start-up costs for the new sober home, providing a safe and supportive environment for women in early recovery.

The Michael J. Dias Foundation currently operates two sober homes and one transitional home for men in Springfield. The new women’s sober home will offer a structured environment to help women rebuild their lives.

“$23,000! Together, we are making a difference! Thank you to everyone who sponsored, donated, volunteered or laced up. We appreciate you,” shared Joey’s Deli.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the turnout and generosity shown by our community,” said Dino Bedinelli, Chief Operating Officer at Compass Recovery. “Though Compass Recovery is not affiliated with the operation of the sober home, we recognize how urgently resources like this are needed. We’re proud to stand behind the Michael J. Dias Foundation and do our part to help make this home a reality.”