DJ's Wish Hosts Hope For Freedom Day June 7th in Lake Toxaway, NC

Lake Toxaway -- Press Release:  DJ's Wish, Inc., a local non-profit, is hosting a fundraising event on June 7th in Lake Toxaway, NC. Hope For Freedom Day promises a fun day to celebrate the lives saved from illicit drug deaths through education and awareness, and to honor the lives lost to fentanyl poisonings.

DJ's Wish is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness of the dangers of illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs, to collaborate with local and national organizations and people to look for solutions, to connect with others who have lost loved ones to illicit drugs, and to prevent the deaths of our loved ones.

In 2021, Dean and Lori Ashenfelder lost their child, DJ, to fentanyl poisoning. This prompted them to raise awareness about fentanyl dangers, which is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45. They started with a Facebook page, facebook.com/djswishfreedomfromfentanyl, and became a non-profit in September 2022. DJ's Wish participates in local festivals, sharing information, supporting those affected by drug-related deaths, and fighting the stigma around Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

DJ's Wish aims to engage our community by hosting Hope For Freedom Day, an enjoyable afternoon and evening dedicated to celebrating survivors of substance use disorder (SUD) and honoring those we have lost. DJ's Wish hopes for a day without the risks associated with illicit drugs, which is the reason behind the name Hope For Freedom Day.

What's On Tap for the Day?

This isn't just a fundraiser; it's a celebration of life and a stand against illicit fentanyl! Here's a sneak peek at what is awaiting you:
Amazing K9 Demos! Prepare to be wowed as Revolutionary Canine shows off the incredible skills of their handlers and their four-legged partners. These pups are serious about fighting crime!

The Transylvania County Sheriff's Department will be on hand for a Q&A session. Plus, little ones can get up close and personal with a real patrol car!

Score Big in the Silent Auction! Get ready to bid on some seriously cool stuff, all generously donated by local businesses. Think vacation stays at the Cabins at Seven Foxes and Black Bear Lodge, and a chainsaw carving from Lake Toxaway artist, Jason Smathers. Every bid helps DJ's

Wish in its vital mission!

Raffle Prizes include gift certificates for restaurants, shopping, and more.
Games Galore! Unleash your inner competitor with family-friendly favorites like giant Jenga, Cornhole, fly a kite, or challenge a friend to a game of Checkers on the giant game board. There's fun for every age!

Live Music: From 6:00 to 8:00 PM, chill out and enjoy the incredible acoustic talents of local musicians Kristen Toole and Sam Warner.

A Sweet Celebration of Life! We'll be cutting a special "Angel birthday cake" to honor DJ's heavenly birthday. It's a beautiful way to remember lost lives, celebrate those in recovery, and spread a whole lot of hope.

Every dollar raised at Hope for Freedom Day goes directly to DJ's Wish. That means more educational programs, more support for families grappling with fentanyl's impact, and stronger community outreach. Your contribution helps us build a safer, more compassionate future for everyone.
 
So, clear your schedule for June 7, 2025, and come out to The Barn on Homer McCall Road in Lake Toxaway, NC. Let's make some memories, spread some joy, and stand together in the fight against illicit fentanyl. Your presence truly makes a difference!

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Special thanks to Ben Nolan for allowing us to host Hope For Freedom Day at The Barn. Ramsey Modern Wellness, Fisher Realty, Stephanie O'Shields, generously sponsored this event along with United Community Bank and Energy Stop #4.

For tickets, visit  djswish.org/event/hope-for-freedom-day or email lori@djswish.org