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Smithers Foundation celebrating over 5 decades of
philanthropy as the only foundation in America dedicated
solely to education about, and understanding,
of the disease of alcoholism.
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Historical Photos
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Noted sculptor Marc Mellon created a bust of R. Brinkley Smithers shortly before Brink's death;
it was presented to the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary
by his wife Adele and his son Christopher.
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As a successful young businessman, R. Brinkley Smithers dedicated his life - time, energy and
financial resources - to carry a message to millions: Alcoholism is a treatable and respectable
disease, from which people can and do recover.
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Many of America's most prominent citizens endorsed, encouraged and supported the work of the
Christopher D. Smithers Foundation. Brink and Laurence D. Rockefeller frequently worked together
in a common understanding that alcoholism was a disease, and that treatment and recovery were
possible.
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Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, was another friend and supporter in the early years
of Brink's work. Bill's wife Lois Wilson, founder of Al-Anon, joined Brink on the occasion of the
unveiling of the United States Post Office first-class stamp, proclaiming "Alcoholism: You can beat
it!"
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Second only to the meeting of Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, co-founders of Alcoholic Anonymous, was the
meeting between R. Brinkley Smithers and Marty Mann, founder of what was to become the National Council on
Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Brink and Marty teamed up to carry the message of hope and the promise of
recovery to hundreds of thousands of alcoholics and their families across the country and around the world.
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Over the years, many honors and awards were bestowed upon Brinkley Smithers. One of those he was most proud
of was the presentation of the Gold Key Award, given annually by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug
Dependence, Inc. This prestigious award was presented to Mr. Smithers on April 29, 1978 in St. Louis, Missouri
on the 25th Anniversary of the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation.
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