LICADD’s 30th Annual Angel Ball - The Discovery of Recovery
Garden City, NY - May 18, 2017 - The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) celebrated possibility, hope and promise at the 30th Annual Angel Ball. Three hundred and twenty-five LICADD supporters and friends came together to note a year of milestones in the addiction and recovery arena. The filled to capacity crowd, raised over $310,000 enabling LICADD to continue it’s important and vital work of service, support, prevention education and advocacy. At the height of an opioid crisison Long Island, this successful event was a positive stride in the fight to support those individuals and their families who struggle with alcohol and drug addiction. The Angel Ball paid a heart-felt tribute to the late Adele C. Smithers. A good friend and advocate for LICADD, she has been dubbed the “godmother” of research, education, prevention and recovery in the field of alcohol abuse and drug dependence. Her guidance, leadership and generosity will remain guiding principles for LICADD, as the agency furthers its 61-year mission for years to come.
Of Adele Smithers, LICADD Executive Director, Steve Chassman shared, “Amid the sad reality of Adele’s passing, there has been tremendous opportunity and strides forward. Adele left us a blueprint for what it means to dedicate a life to community service, to lend a voice for those who have none, and to work diligently to confront inequity and injustice.” In tribute to Adele Smithers, the Angel Ball was renamed, The Adele Smithers Angel Ball. The Christopher D. Smithers Foundation, led by Adele’s son, Christopher Smithers, his wife, Nikki and family were on hand to accept the honor.
Commissioner Timothy D. Sini of the Suffolk County Police Department was honored as LICADD Community Champion. LICADD applauded Commissioner Sini’s approach to addressing the opioid epidemic. Under his leadership, the Suffolk County Police Department offers rehabilitation rather than incarceration for youthful drug offenders. With Commissioner Sini’s support, LICADD and Suffolk County have partnered to operate a 24-hour substance abuse hotline. This successful program is entering its second year.
The evening’s Keynote address was offered by filmmaker and advocate, Greg Williams. His ground-breaking films, The Anonymous People and Generation Found have changed the way addiction and recovery are viewed, discussed and supported and has started a movement. LICADD was honored to have Mr. Williams share his powerful story.
Thank you to all who attended the 30th Angel Ball and to our friends and supporters. We encourage you to become acquainted with all that LICADD offers and see how you can become involved. It takes a village and we appreciate your interest, support and participation.
For 61 years,LICADD is Long Island’s premier non-profit agency providing life-saving alcohol and drug prevention and intervention services to at-risk children, individuals, and families across the region. With offices in Westbury and Holbrook, LICADD conducts screenings, brief interventions, referrals to treatment and relapse prevention services to individuals and families impacted by substance abuse. The agency also conducts evidence-based prevention programs, community outreach initiatives, a mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents, and participates in public policy advocacy.