BROADWAY MEETS THE MILITARY AT NCADD AWARDS LUNCHEON
NEW YORK, NY - Both
the star of a hit Broadway show and a retired Navy psychiatrist will be
honored with R. Brinkley Smithers Awards at the 3rd annual Spring Awards
Luncheon hosted by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
and its New York Affiliate, the Alcoholism Council of New York, on Thursday
April 25, 2002 at Tavern on the Green in New York's Central Park.
Elaine Stritch, currently
appearing in "Elaine Stritch at Liberty," and Dr. Joseph Pursch,
who has been instrumental since 1962 in the treatment and rehabilitation
of addicted individuals, are the latest recipients of the awards given each
year since 1987 by the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation to those who exemplify
the dedication and spirit of R. Brinkley Smithers, a pioneer in the field
of alcoholism. Scott Clark, WABC-TV's Sports Director, will serve as Master
of Ceremonies.
Ms. Stritch, a Broadway
legend, has appeared in such productions as "Angel in the Wings,"
"Pal Joey," Noel Coward's "Sail Away," and Stephen Sondheim's
"Company." "Elaine Stritch at Liberty," created by Ms.
Stritch and the drama critic John Lahr, illuminates Ms. Stritch's struggles
with heartache, stage fright and alcoholism. "I didn't know myself
till I stopped drinking," says Ms. Stritch. "I like who I found,"
she adds. In 1993, Ms. Stritch and Jason Robards performed a benefit reading
of A.R. Gurney's popular "Love Letters" for the National Council
on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
As Director of the Alcohol
Rehabilitation Service at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Long Beach,
California from 1973 to 1980, Dr. Joseph Pursch treated numerous public
figures, celebrities and professional athletes. Dr. Pursch has served as
an expert witness in legal cases, has conducted seminars and lectures worldwide,
and has appeared on network television programs including "60 Minutes,"
"The Today Show," "Good Morning America," "Prime
Time Live" and "The Phil Donohue Show." He has been featured
in educational films and has written numerous articles and papers in the
scientific and lay press. Dr. Pursch has been on the Board of Directors
for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence since 1996.
"We're delighted
to have such distinguished honorees," says NCADD President, Stacia
Murphy. "Elaine Stritch speaks eloquently with first-hand knowledge
of her struggle with alcoholism and Dr. Pursch has broad experience in the
field and has been instrumental in treating such well-known personalities
as Betty Ford, Billy Carter, and astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Unfortunately, alcoholism
still afflicts millions of Americans and affects their families, friends
and loved ones. But through the example of their lives, these two honorees
have made a difference."
Tables for the event,
which will benefit both NCADD and the Alcoholism Council of New York, range
in price from $3,500 to $10,000. For further information and tickets, please
call 212-838-6033.
With offices in New York and Washington, DC, and a nationwide network of
Affiliates, NCADD provides education, information, help and hope to the
public. Founded in 1944 by Marty Mann, the first woman to achieve long-term
sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, NCADD advocates prevention, intervention,
and treatment. In April 2002, NCADD will sponsor the sixteenth national
Alcohol Awareness Month.
The theme for this public awareness campaign is "Recovery: It's a Family
Affair - and Everyone's Invited!" For more information, visit: www.ncadd.org.
