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National RallyHub Event FAQ

Welcome to the Event FAQ page for the National Hub Event at the UIC Credit Union I Arena in Chicago, IL. Below you will find essential details to help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable experience. 

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Event FAQ - Chicago Rally Hub - Sept 21st, 2024 

Pre-Rally Social, Sept 20th Friday
As we gear up for the highly anticipated National Rally for Recovery, there's no better way to start the weekend than by coming together with the recovery community for a night of connection, celebration, and inspiration. 

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, September 20th, 2024

  • Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

  • Location: JLM Abundant Life Center, 2622 Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL

 
Vendor Space

Vendor registration is now closed as all exhibit spaces have been filled. However, sponsorships are still available. 

 
​Food

We will have food trucks on-site, but please note that food is not free. The trucks will accept cash or card, and you’ll pay them directly. Our lineup includes:

  • Harold's Chicken: Famous for crispy fried chicken, wings, and catfish dinners.

  • Chi-Town Favorites: Offering classic Chicago-style eats like Italian beef and sausages.

  • Denita Tittie Cupcakes: Delicious gourmet cupcakes for a sweet treat.

  • Can't Believe It's Not Meat: Plant-based versions of Chicago classics.

  • Nexx Flava: A blend of soul food and BBQ, including ribs and mac and cheese.

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​Gate Access
  • Attendees: The public must enter through Gate 3, located at the corner of Harrison Street and Racine Avenue.

 
Parking Information
  • Parking Location: Parking is available at two convenient locations:

    • ​HSPS Garage – Located just east of the arena at 1100 West Harrison.

    • Lot 1B/1A – A flat lot directly across the street from the arena at 1139 West Harrison.

  • Parking Fee: Parking costs $10 per car.

  • Parking Costs: Guests will pay $10 upon entry to the event. Cashiers will be present to accept payments. We accept cash, credit cards, and Apple Pay.

  • Public Transportation: We encourage using public transit. Starting at 7:30 AM, volunteers holding flags will be stationed at public transit stops to assist attendees in finding the entrance gate.

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Important Policies
  • No Strollers: Due to space constraints, strollers are not permitted at the event. We apologize for any inconvenience and recommend alternative arrangements for families with young children.

  • Bag Policy: Only small bags (no larger than 14 inches x 14 inches x 6 inches) are allowed. All bags will be subject to search upon entry.

  • Outside Food & Beverages: Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Water stations and food vendors will be available on-site.

 
Prohibited Items

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, the following items are strictly prohibited:

  • Weapons of any kind

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Large umbrellas

  • Bicycles, skateboards, or other wheeled items

  • Cameras: No flash/professional photography, audio, or video recording devices

  • Selfie Sticks

  • Bags: Backpacks, large bags, suitcases, or any bag larger than 14 inches x 14 inches x 6 inches

  • Tripods/Monopods

  • Laser Pointers

  • Drugs

  • Noise-Making Devices

  • Fireworks

  • Flashlights

  • Skateboards/Rollerblades

  • Beach Balls

  • Cans or Bottles

  • Any item that could pose a safety hazard or restrict another guest's enjoyment.

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Additional Information

  • Weather: The event will take place rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress accordingly.

  • Restrooms: Restrooms will be available at several locations throughout the venue.

  • First Aid: Look for signage directing you to the First Aid Station. Security personnel, volunteers, paramedics, and a nurse will assist as needed.

  • ​Event planning committee members will wear red vests, and volunteers will have "Volunteer" clearly marked on the back of their attire.

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​​​​Contact Information

If you have any questions or need assistance on the event day, please contact our event team at [Contact Number/Email].

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Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Modern Chicago Skyline
National Rally for Recovery Event Agenda
Celebrity cameo videos 

9 AM -DJ Music: Marshall Grant

Emcee: Jeff McFadden
 

9:15 AM CT
Hosts Welcome: CRCC & NIRCO
Speakers: Dora Dantzler-Wright, John Wright, Dr. Mary Roberson

 

9:30 AM CT
Performance: Greater Canaan Praise Dancers

 

9:45 AM CT
Speaker: Laura Garcia, LPC, MAAPS, CADC
Director, Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention & Recovery

 

10:10 AM CT
Speakers:

  • Patty McCarthy, M.S. – Chief Executive Officer, Faces & Voices of Recovery

  • Tom Coderre – Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, SAMHSA

  • Peter Gaumond – Senior Policy Analyst, Chief Recovery Branch, Office of National Drug Control Policy

  • Michael Askew – Deputy Director, Office of Recovery, SAMHSA

  • David Awadalla – Public Health Advisor, Office of Recovery, SAMHSA

  • Jesse Heffernan – Region 5 Behavioral Health Advisor, SAMHSA

  • Illinois State Senator Adriane Johnson, 30th District

 

11:30 AM CT
Live Recovery Band: Immanuel Celebrate Recovery Band

 

NOON CT
Lunch Break (1 hour)
DJ Music & Emcee Intro
Emcee: Announcements & Mentions from the Podium

 

1:00 PM CT
Speakers:

  • Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter, 3rd District, Assistant Majority Leader

  • Illinois Representative La Shawn K. Ford, 8th District

 

1:20 PM CT
Recovery Storytelling: Meghann Perry, CARC, RCPF
Award-winning Storyteller, Theatre Educator, Keynote Speaker, and Addiction Recovery Coach Professional

 

1:45 PM CT
Line Dancing:
1st Lady Maddy B Soul Line Dance Xperience

 

2:15 PM CT
Speaker: Dr. Corrie L. Vilsaint, Ph.D.
"Using Recovery Science to Dismantle Health Inequities"
Associate Director of Recovery Health Equity, Recovery Research Institute, Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Instructor, Harvard Medical School

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2:30 PM CT
Celebrity Cameo Videos

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2:45 PM CT
Sponsors:

  • Leader Sponsor: TASC, Inc. (Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities)

  • Champion Sponsors:

    • Phoenix Recovery Services

    • Oxford House

    • The Path Recovery Living For Women

    • Heartlife Ministries Recovery 180

    • A Safe Haven

  • Advocate Sponsors:

    • Mindful Care

    • Gateway Foundation

    • Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital

    • West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force

    • Chicago Area Project

 

3:45 PM CT
Hosts Closing: CRCC & NIRCO
Speakers: Dora Dantzler-Wright, John Wright, Dr. Mary Roberson

 

4:00 PM CT -Event Ends

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