Local Heroes: John And Michelle Makris Make Life Better In Boca Raton

BOCA RATON, FL — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Debbie Abrams who nominated her colleagues, John and Michelle Makris of Boca Raton.

Local hero’s full name

John and Michelle Makris

Local hero’s home state

Florida

Local hero’s Patch

Boca Raton

How do you know the local hero?

We work with them.

What does the local hero do?

Co-chair the annual Brice Makris Brunch.

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Boca (Raton) residents John and Michelle Makris who lost their 23-year-old son to substance use disorder and have gotten very involved in this issue, including starting an annual fundraising brunch held in Boca in his memory.

“When our son, Brice, passed away, at 23, from substance use disorder, I wanted to figure out what I could do to fight the opioid crisis. Hanley Foundation invited me on their board in May 2020. It’s the largest foundation in the state fighting substance use disorder and has programs in 32 counties in Florida. We held the first Brice Makris Brunch last year, named for our son," John Makris said.

Markis went on to say, “Substance use disorder is not a result of bad decisions or bad behavior. It’s a disease that deserves our attention in the same way that we want to help anyone who has a disease. There is a stigma around this issue. We have to stop blaming the person. Some people smoke their way to lung cancer, but we treat them. Some people drink themselves into alcoholism, but we treat them. substance use disorder is a physical illness, and we need to treat them.

“When our son, Brice, was in recovery, he said he wanted to work with the community throughout his life and that he felt he could save 100 lives,” Michelle Makris said. “That’s why we started the Brice Makris Luncheon. Last year’s luncheon was on our older son’s birthday and our first grandson was born that day.”

“Hanley Foundation provides scholarships to people who can’t afford treatment,” John Makris said. “We wanted to bring Hanley Foundation to South County. My main goal was to expand awareness, educate and mobilize people on this issue. Every penny of the money we raise at the brunch goes to scholarships.”

Hanley Foundation will host the second annual Brice Makris Brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boca West Country Club. Foundation board member John and Michelle Makris will chair the event that honors their son, Brice, who tragically passed away two years ago … from a Fentanyl overdose. All funds raised will benefit Hanley Foundation’s Brice Makris Endowment Fund for lifesaving treatment scholarships and addiction prevention programs.

“There are thousands of smart and talented individuals, just like Brice, right here in our community who are suffering from substance use disorders,” said Jan Cairnes, CEO of Hanley Foundation. “Events like this are critical to help spread the message of hope and raise important funds that allow us to continue to expand our substance use prevention and recovery programs.”

Dave Aronberg, U.S. State Attorney for Palm Beach County, and Louie Bossi, executive chef/partner of Louie Bossi’s Ristorante and founder of Delray’s “Taste of Recovery,” will serve as honorary chairs of the event. Aronberg has led the efforts in Palm Beach County to heighten awareness of substance use disorder, and is a staunch advocate of proven recovery programs, such as those Hanley Foundation supports. Bossi is in long-term recovery and is a champion of the recovery community and organizations offering resources like Hanley Foundation.

Honorary Guests include Troy McLellan, Tina Polsky, Andrea Virgin, Spencer Siegel and Andrea Levine O’Rourke. Max Weinberg, longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen and bandleader for Conan O’Brien, will receive the first Brice Makris Community Spirit Award at the event.

“The Brice Makris Endowment Fund was born from Brice’s desire to be healthy, to become free of an insidious disease, and to help others gain their lives back,” said John Makris. “Now, it’s up to us to ensure his prophecy of helping others will come to fruition.”

Tickets are $150 per person. Visit Hanley Foundation online here, call 561-268-2355, or email events@hanleyfoundation.org for more information or tickets, sponsorship, and underwriting opportunities.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

The Makrises are doing everything the can to help people with substance use disorder.

Thank you for all you do, John and Michelle Makris!

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Know someone making a difference in town?

Nominate them here.