Pawan Mehra has never used methamphetamine, but he understands addiction.
"I am a living example of two chances," Mehra, of Sun Valley, said.
A recovering alcoholic for 30 years, Mehra works diligently to overcome his addiction.
"We need to show the community that rehabilitation can work and there is a way out," he said.
Through his recovery efforts, he recently met two recovering methamphetamine addicts in the Wood River Valley. Hearing young peoples' stories of meth addictions paired with information of rising use among local teens spurred him into action.
"If our youth are burning their brains out, we really have to be aware," Mehra said.
Alarm and a sense of obligation prompted Mehra and his wife, Helen Mehra, to help young people and their families. The couple will host a fund-raising dinner Tuesday, Jan. 10, to benefit The Sun Club's Youth Scholarship and Education Fund.
The Sun Club is a nonprofit alcohol and drug recovery resource center in Ketchum and Hailey. The Youth Scholarship and Education Fund provides valley youths with financial aid to assist with drug and alcohol abuse assessments, outpatient program costs and educational events.
Mehra's life experiences inspired him to host the fund-raising event at his Elkhorn home.
"With God's grace I have been sober," Mehra said.
Working to help others stay sober brought him to the valley 20 years ago. He came to work at the former Life Center in Elkhorn. He said the work became a way of life.
These days, Mehra serves on the board of directors of the Walker Center, a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center. He is also active in The Sun Club.
As an immigrant from India, Mehra appreciates the opportunities offered by the United States. He recognizes the chances and feels an obligation to help his country and the next generation.
"This is the future of our country," he said.
The Mehras are not charging admission to their dinner. The couple is asking for donations for the scholarship fund and will match donations up to $300.
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If You Go
The Sun Club Potluck and Fundraising Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, will benefit the club's Youth Scholarship and Education Fund. A chicken curry dinner will be offered at 402 Juniper Road in Elkhorn. Guests are asked to bring a side dish, dessert, drink or hors d'oeuvre. Valet parking until 7:30 p.m. is available. Admission is free. Donations for the scholarship fund are requested. The hosts will match donations up to $300. To reserve a place, contact 622-7555.
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Photo of Pawan Mahra
