A Celebration of Possibility, Hope and Promise
The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD) celebrated the 30th Annual Angel Ball.
Over 330 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 $300,000 enabling LICADD to continue its important and vital work of service, support, prevention education and advocacy.
At the height of an opioid crisis on Long Island, this successful event was a positive stride in the fight to support those individuals and their families who struggle with substance abuse.
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 "Mother" of research, education, prevention 
Adele Smithersand 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.
Steve Chassman, LICADD Executive Director, Nassau County D.A. Madeline Singas, Commissioner Tim Sini of Suffolk County Police Dept. and the Community Champion Honoree for Angel BallThe 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 thanks all who attended the 30th Angel Ball and their friends and supporters. The agency encourages you to become acquainted with all that LICADD offers and see how you can become involved. It takes a village and they appreciate your interest, support and participation.
LICADD, Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
1025 Old Country Rd, Suite 221
Westbury, NY 11590
(516) 747-2606
https://licadd.org/