Hi, I’m Alison (Ali), the Event Planner and Fundraiser Coordinator for Raw Recovery. Raw Recovery The Community was founded by Dannie Shields and created by lived experience, deep compassion, and the belief that no one should have to walk the recovery journey alone. Raw Recovery is a safe, inclusive space for individuals and families navigating recovery, healing, trauma, and growth. Through honest conversations, peer support, education, and connection, Raw Recovery meets people exactly where they are, without judgment and without barriers. Recovery is not one-size-fits-all, and Raw Recovery exists to honor every path.

I’m honored to be part of this team and this community, helping turn Raw Recovery’s mission into real-world impact through fundraising and events that directly support recovery, connection, and hope. I’m involved hands-on in planning where these funds go and how they are used, and I believe deeply in the transparency and heart behind Raw Recovery The Community.

This GoFundMe supports two important milestones for Raw Recovery.

First, your support helps us sustain and expand our outreach and peer-support initiatives, provide free or low-cost recovery resources, continue podcast and educational content, and keep our community offerings accessible and inclusive. It also covers operational costs so finances are never a barrier, and helps us supply survival bags with essentials like hand warmers, socks, resource lists, water bottles, and snacks for those in need.

Second, we are excited to launch Raw Recovery’s first-ever in-person community fundraiser event in NYC in late spring or early summer. This substance-free, recovery-centered gathering will be a night filled with sober fun you won’t want to miss—featuring connection, guest speakers with lived experience, meaningful conversation, resources, comedians, music, food, and intentional space for healing and support, and fun!

Raw Recovery was created because Dannie believes recovery should never be done alone. This community was built from lived experience, honesty, and love. Supporting this fundraiser helps us sustain the growing Raw Recovery community and bring our first in-person fundraiser to life by creating safe, supportive spaces where healing, connection, and hope can continue to grow.

Every contribution, no matter the size, truly makes a difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser means just as much. Thank you for believing in this mission and in the power of community.

— Raw Recovery The Community Team

Dannie Shields, Founder & Owner of Raw Recovery

Alison (Ali) Event & Fundraiser Coordinator, Raw Recovery