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 its 40th Anniversary.
As a successful young businessman, R. Brinkley Smithers dedicated his life – time, energy and financial resources – to carry a message to millions: Alcohol use disorder is a treatable medical illness, from which people can and do recover.
Many of America’s most prominent citizens endorsed, encouraged and supported the work of the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation. Brink and Laurance Rockefeller frequently worked together, understanding that alcohol use disorder is a disease, and that treatment and recovery were possible.
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 to unveil the United States Post Office first-class stamp, proclaiming “Alcoholism: You can beat it!”
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 people addicted to alcohol, and their families.
Over the years, R. Brinkley Smithers received many honors and awards. He was particularly proud 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 - the 25th Anniversary of the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation.