'West Wing' Star Wows NCADD Luncheon

National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
Friday, 27 April 2001

John Spencer, who stars in the TV drama 'West Wing' as the recovering alcoholic chief of staff to the president, captured a real life audience at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence luncheon Thursday, April 26, 2001, with the words, "I am John Spencer; I am an alcoholic."

The 350 guests at Tavern on the Green were enthralled as the actor reconrited his own battle with alcohol that led him to seek help. He said he has been drink-free for the past 12 years, but the battle is a daily one, "The problem is not that I want one drink; I want 12-plus [drinks]."

Spencer accepted the R. Brinkley Smithers Award on behalf of the staff of "West Wing." The award-winning television series was honored for its sensitive and accurate depiction of the disease of alcoholism. Lois, the widow of Jason Robards, Jr. and Jason, his son, accepted a second R. Brinkley Smithers Award on behalf of the late actor. Making the presentations was Adele Smithers-Fornaci, president of the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation.

"The luncheon raised over $210,000 for NCADD and its local affiliate, the Alcoholism Council of New York," said Stacia Murphy, NCADD president. "We'll be putting it to use in an education campaign to reduce the stigma surrounding alcoholism."

A popular part of the event was an auction of celebrity items. A 'West Wing' script signed by Spencer went for $3,100 and a hug from the actor. Tiger Woods' golf bag brought in $1,000; Derek Jeter's autographed baseball glove raised $1,300; and, Andy Pettitte's autographed shoes, hat and glove, an additional $2,000. WABC sportscaster and Master of Ceremonies Scott Clark donated a special "Eyewitness News" studio tour that netted $1,100.

For more information, or to contact National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, see their website at: www.ncadd.org