Hello Friends & Family!

This is a family disease, at least it was for my family. Growing up with the disease of alcoholism was never easy and we face challenges growing up, challenges sometimes created by myself. Despite the bumps in the road, our family stuck together through adversity and were stronger for it. Several family members, like myself, found recovery through the 12 steps, including my mother, a longtime member of Al-Anon. My mother and I reconnected and shared about our recovery and even more when I became part of the Convention Committee. My mother is a past chairman of the Spanish Al-Anon Convention. Sharing about recovery after our struggles felt like victory, because it was. When I was asked to accept the nomination for Convention Chairman, I felt like I wasn’t ready and I called my mother. She said the same words that were given to her “It’s not up to you, it’s up to God.” We cried over the phone when I was elected.

So… it is fitting that this year’s Convention Theme is “Together We Thrive in 2025”

The work, dedication, and energy put into this Convention by this Committee so that all of us can celebrate our Recovery is incredible and I am beyond grateful for them and their service this past year. I also want to thank my family, friends, my beautiful girlfriend Kelley G., and I want to especially thank GOD. 

I want to thank my Convention Co-Chairman Crystal B. and my Hotel Chair Dan C. for the fantastic work and guidance they provided this past year. I am incredibly blessed to have both of you by my side. 

I also want to thank our Al-Anon Chairman Xochitil E. and her Co-Chairman Sarah G. and their committee for the amazing work they put in as well as handling Spanish Al-Anon. I know it was a lot of work, but you guys got it done and I’m truly grateful to have worked together with you.

In closing, we look forward to seeing all of your smiles at the craziest party in Orange County! Let’s celebrate our recovery together as we connect with new and old faces. Please help spread the word by announcing the OCAAC dates in ALL your meetings and telling ALL your recovery friends & family.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, THIS CONVENTION IS MY LIFE!!

Beyond Grateful,

Manny A.

2025 Orange County Alcoholics Anonymous Convention Chairman