MOCKTAIL TASTING FUNDRAISER - Westfair Communications

Lisa Gray and her late son Jordan Arakelian.

The second annual Mocktail Tasting on Sunday, May 22, at Real Art Ways in Hartford will be hosted by A Promise to Jordan, a nonprofit organization in Simsbury, dedicated to raising awareness about substance-use disorders. Restaurateurs and bar owners will showcase their best nonalcoholic beverages and appetizers and compete to be named the best.

“The list of competitors just keeps growing,” said Lisa Gray, founder of A Promise to Jordan (APTJ).

In addition to sampling alcohol-free drinks and hors d”™oeuvres, attendees will learn how through literature and discussions to help someone struggling with addiction.

New to the event this year is a powerful video presentation of people in recovery describing the positive benefits of their recovery journey. Individuals interested in participating can submit a 1-minute or less video and/or photos with their first name and the town in which they reside to info@apromisetojordan.org. Entries must be received by Friday, April 29.

The fundraiser, which is a fresh alternative to the typical beer or wine tastings, will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in the art gallery parking lot, located at 56 Arbor St., barring any Covid-19 restrictions in place at the time. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased at 2ndMocktailTasting.eventbrite.com.

APTJ frequently hosts community educational programs. Gray founded A Promise to Jordan after losing her son, Jordan Arakelian, to an overdose in 2018.