525 Foundation talks opioids with Terry Bradshaw, David Feherty at fundraiser

The 525 Foundation hosted a fundraising gala at The Armory in South Bend to educate teens and families about the dangers of alcohol and prescription drug abuse.

“We will save lives by sharing Nick and Jack’s story,” Becky Savage said.

Some big names were there, including Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw and NBC golf analyst David Feherty. WNDU’s recently retired news anchor Maureen McFadden was an emcee at the event as well.

Becky and Mike Savage lost their two sons nearly five years ago to the misuse and abuse of alcohol and prescription drugs.

Now president and co-founder of the 525 Foundation, Becky and Mike's goal is to help spread awareness with people like Bradshaw and Feherty -- both of whom lost loved ones the same way the Savages did -- to help save teens and families from doing the same thing.

“My wife…she lost her son. He died on her living room floor. David Feherty’s son died,” Bradshaw said.

“There’s only one way to cope with the kind of grief that that brings, and that is to feel like you’re doing something that might, perhaps, save another family and make sure this doesn’t happen again,” Feherty said.

Becky Savage has traveled to 14 different states, spreading the story of her sons to more than 90,000 children. If that was not enough, a “Drop 2 Stop” pill box program was created and since has collected more than 2,000 pounds in pills.

“We have to constantly remind our children of the dangers of drugs,” Bradshaw said.

Mike Savage said he was overwhelmed by the amount of support and hopes their message continues to spread.

“We have great friends and family, and the community has rallied around us and supported us through this mission that we have, and it’s just meant the world to us,” he said.

The 525 Foundation says it will be increasing its three "Drop 2 Stop" pill boxes to 10 by the end of the week.

DROP 2 STOP can be found at the following locations:

- 926 Erskine Plaza, South Bend

- 525 S. Mayflower Road, South Bend

- 7355 Heritage Square Drive, Granger