Christopher Kennedy Lawford to Keynote LICADD's Angel Ball
Famed author, actor and Public Advocacy Consultant for Caron Treatment Centers, Christopher Kennedy Lawford will be receive the 2010 LICADD Humanitarian Award and will be the keynote speaker at the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence’s 2010 Angel Ball. For over twenty-three years this annual event has brought together parents, educators and leaders in government, law enforcement, and the treatment field in support of LICADD’s programs. This year’s Angel Ball will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at the Garden City Hotel and will raise funds for LICADD’s life-saving alcohol and drug prevention programs for children and families throughout the region.
The nephew of John F. Kennedy, Mr. Lawford is a passionate advocate for substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery services and speaks openly about his own journey into recovery. He’s authored three critically acclaimed books, including the 2005 New York Times bestseller, Symptoms of Withdrawal: A Memoir of Snapshots and Redemption, Moments of Clarity: Voices from the front lines of Addiction and Recovery released in 2009 and his most recent success entitled Healing Hepatitis C. Mr. Lawford spent twenty years in the film and television business as an actor, lawyer, executive, and producer. His acting credits include roles with Anthony Hopkins in Slipstream and the World’s Fastest Indian, The Sixth Day and Terminator 3 with Arnold Schwarzenegger, 13 Days with Kevin Costner, Russia House with Sean Connery and Ben Kingsley and Oliver Stone’s The Doors. Additionally, Mr. Lawford spent three years on All My Children, and produced weekly segments for Extra and CNN focusing on political and social awareness within the entertainment community.
LICADD’s Board Chair Curt Webster stated, “Long Islanders are facing a critical health care crisis with heroin and opiate addiction at epidemic levels among our young people. We are exceedingly fortunate to have the opportunity to honor Mr. Lawford for raising public awareness and advancing the level of care for those suffering from addiction.” LICADD Executive Director, Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds agreed stating, “LICADD remains a lifeline for families struggling with addiction and as demand for our services increases, we are thrilled that Long Islanders are helping us meet the challenges. Mr. Lawford’s willingness to share his experience, strength and hope is an absolute gift and we look forward to welcoming him to Long Island.”
LICADD’s Angel Ball is one of the nonprofit organization’s key fundraising events and organizers hope to raise more than $250,000 through sponsorship, ticket sales and onsite auctions/raffles. Tickets to this year’s Angel Ball are $500 and are available online or via phone at 516-747-2606.
