Donor Showcase: Bonnie Rolls-Larson

Welcome to our Donor Spotlight! This month, we celebrate Bonnie Rolls-Larson, a long-time supporter, meeting facilitator, and passionate advocate for Moderation Management (MM). Through her generosity, time, and unwavering dedication, Bonnie has helped countless people find support and community on their journey toward moderation. Here, she shares her story and insights.

Finding MM

Bonnie’s journey with MM began five years ago during marriage counseling, where she agreed to join a support group for her drinking. “I just knew I wasn’t ‘there’ with my drinking and really didn’t want to abstain,” she recalls. After a brief stint in online AA meetings, Bonnie discovered MM and immediately felt it was the right fit. “I started attending meetings and felt very much at home. For me, MM represents ‘working a program’ at my own pace and setting my own goals, using the tools I’ve learned in MM.”

Becoming a Volunteer

Bonnie’s involvement deepened quickly. Within a few months of joining MM, she completed the Kickstart program—not once, but twice—and eventually began helping facilitate meetings. “Mary, whose Pond meeting I attended regularly, asked if I’d help with daily postings. Next thing I know, I was co-hosting the Kickstart meeting. Then, with more confidence, I began to sub at other meetings.” Bonnie now co-hosts the Newcomers’ meeting and continues to volunteer as a facilitator for MM’s thriving community.

On Giving Back

Bonnie has been a consistent donor to MM’s campaigns and encourages others to contribute. “It’s very rewarding to give. It stirs a feeling of gratitude,” she says. She likens it to the tradition in AA meetings of passing a hat to cover costs, adding, “I often wished I could ‘drop a dollar’ in MM meetings because it seemed like the natural thing to do, in gratitude for the host showing up, and the camaraderie of the group. First, I donated to the Kickstart programs, and at some point, I started the recurring giving.”

A huge proponent of “set and forget” when it comes to donations,  Bonnie offers this advice to potential recurring donors: “Do it! It’s such an easy way to show appreciation and gratitude. And conversely, it’s too easy to forget or put off jumping on to MM’s donate page.”

The Evolution of MM

Over the years, Bonnie has witnessed MM’s growth and evolution. “When I first started, there were one or two meetings on weekday evenings, none on weekends, and only The Pond in the daytime,” she explains. “Now we have meetings every day of the week—usually more than one to choose from. Specialty meetings have also blossomed—LGBTQ+, ADHD, Millennials. A couple of others haven’t lasted, but it shows MM’s willingness to fill specific needs and see how it goes.”

A Memorable Moment

Bonnie reflects on a pivotal moment when she felt the impact of MM’s support. Visiting her sister in Kenya, Bonnie faced a familiar pattern of daily and heavy drinking. “I was apprehensive about maintaining my moderation in that context, but I pulled out my MM toolbox and was able to drastically reduce my drinking compared to previous visits. The Pond meeting was my lifeline, and I’m so grateful for the support I found there.”

Words of Advice

To those just starting their journey with MM, Bonnie recommends: “Go to lots of meetings. Find your favorite and attend regularly for support.”

Life Beyond Volunteering

When she’s not volunteering, Bonnie enjoys daily walks with her big dog and capturing the beauty of life through photography. “I especially like photographing nature—wildlife, flowers, sunsets, snow, icicles, and all—and I also enjoy finding beauty in city scenes and the mundane,” she shares.

Three Words to Describe MM

Compassionate. Non-judgmental. Caring. These are the words Bonnie uses to sum up the essence of Moderation Management—and they perfectly describe her own approach to supporting the community.

Bonnie Rolls-Larson’s dedication and generosity are a beautiful example of the difference one person can make. Thank you, Bonnie, for all you do to support and grow MM’s mission!

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Inspired by Bonnie’s story? You can support MM’s work and help others build healthier relationships with alcohol. Visit MM’s donate page to make a one-time or recurring gift today. Together, we can continue to grow this compassionate and supportive community.