WABC-TV’s Sandra Bookman served as the emcee of the event, and LICADD board chair Bill Baum was on hand with Dinner Co-Chair John J. Gutleber to deliver awards to the 2012 Angel Ball Honorees.  The Founder’s Award was presented to Caryn M. Hirshleifer, Esq., of Hirshleifers at the Americana Manhasset, and renowned author Susan Cheever received the 2012 Humanitarian Award.  A longtime LICADD board member, Ms. Hirshleifer has made significant contributions to the growth and expansion of the agency’s alcohol and drug intervention, prevention and recovery support programs.

LICADD Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds stated, “LICADD is grateful for these record levels of generosity and support for LICADD’S drug and alcohol prevention programs. It is because of people like Caryn Hirshleifer, John Gutleber, Dinner Co-Chair NYS Senator Kemp Hannon, and all our other supporters that LICADD remains the “go-to” agency in the midst of this public health crisis and continues to implement effective and innovative programs to combat the effects of addiction in our community.”

The Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, Inc. (LICADD)

Caryn Hirshleifer is currently the Vice President and Counsel of Hirshleifer’s Inc. located in Americana Manhasset, and has a strong interest in social justice. Caryn actively serves her community by volunteering her time and talents to multiple organizations including LICADD, Island Harvest, and Long Island Cares, and her own charitable endeavor: Why Fashion Matters.  Caryn explained, “LICADD’S mission is close to my heart and I value the dramatic impact their programs and services have on Long Island’s growing epidemic of drug and alcohol abuse. It is for this reason that I proudly serve as a Board Member and why I am so honored to be named as the 2012 Founder’s Award Recipient.”

President and CEO of Castagna Realty Co. and Americana Manhasset, John J. Gutleber, shared his enthusiasm for LICADD’S announcement of its 2012 Founder’s Award Recipient, saying, “Caryn Hirshleifer is a well-respected leader and advocate for the community, and is well-deserving of this honor.”

Established in 1956, this year marks not only the 25^th Anniversary of this gala event, but also LICADD’s 56^th year of service to Long Island.  LICADD has built a stellar reputation as a community leader and partner to a large network of treatment providers, faith-based organizations, school districts, and government agencies.  With offices in Mineola, Ronkonkoma and Riverhead, LICADD is working aggressively to help the community overcome the challenges presented by prevailing social stigma of alcoholism and drug dependence, by providing a comprehensive array of prevention, support and recovery programs.

LICADD Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds stated, “LICADD is grateful for the strong community support and generosity of individuals who recognize the imperative to address the growing misuse of prescription drugs and heroin on Long Island. It is because of people like Caryn Hirshleifer, John Gutleber and our other supporters that LICADD remains the “go-to” agency in the midst of this public health crisis and continues to implement effective and innovative programs to combat the effects of addiction in our community.