An Evening Filled With Positive Heartfelt Emotions

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Westchester (NCADD) held its annual gala on April 22 at Mulino's at Lake Isle in Eastchester, and the night captured so many beautiful moments, from standing ovations and laughter to emotional, life-changing stories that brought out the true meaning of NCADD Westchester.

NCADD Westchester's Founder & Executive Director Joan Bonsignore Shares Her Emotions During Her Speech.

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Along with this year's theme dedicated to NCADD's founding fathers, the organization's beloved Founder and Executive Director Joan Bonsignore received countless hugs by the dozens and was thanked by everyone she came into contact with. The NCADD's mission is to educate the public regarding the disease of substance use disorders through education, intervention, and referrals.

According to the County of Westchester, Ms. Bonsignore’s leadership has led her to build new programs like Wellness Classes and Lecture Series and create a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) program. In her leadership of the Westchester chapter of the NCADD, which she founded in 2001, Ms. Bonsignore continues to help thousands of people, of all ages, to fight alcohol and drug abuse by creating a safe place with understanding and serving as a sounding board to help others get their lives back on track.

In addition to Ms. Bonsignore, the evening was emceed by actor and writer Will Vought, who sparkled throughout the ceremony. The night focused on this year's five highly respected individuals, who were recognized for the tireless work they have done in the field of dependencies. They included NCADD Honorary Director David Chong with the Savior of Lives Award, NY State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D) of District 35 with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Anthony Bonsignore with the Marty Mann Award, Cynthia Delfino-Birdsall with the Humanitarian Award and Joseph Apicella with the Business Award.

Ms. Bonsignore along with her proud son Anthony Bonsignore.

Currently retired, Mr. Chong was the Public Safety Commissioner for the city of White Plains for sixteen years. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, has been widely recognized as a trailblazer in both local Westchester and state government and as a champion for progressive action. Joan's son, Mr. Anthony Bonsignore, is a Managing Partner with the prestigious Manhattan entertainment business management firm Altman, Greenfield & Selvaggi and has a deep and personal connection with the NCADD of Westchester. Ms. Cynthia Delfino-Birdsall, the President and CEO of the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester, leads one of the region’s most influential youth-serving organizations across 66 zip codes. Mr. Apicella, an accomplished Senior Real Estate Executive and Executive Vice President of MacQuesten Development LLC in Mt. Vernon, is responsible for the acquisition, approvals, financing and construction of more than two billion dollars’ worth of development in the tri-state area, including serving as the Downtown Development Manager for the City of Yonkers.

Surrounded by various attendees are, left, Dair Melendez-Drier and, right, Joseph Apicella.

Distinguished attendees at the event included Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace, Founder and CEO of SilverBell Global and NCADD 2nd Vice-President Natasha Silver Bell, NCADD President of the Board of Directors, Dair Melendez-Drier and the evening's colorful distinguished presenter, Harris B. Stratyner, PhD. Dr. Stratyner, a prominent Manhattan addiction psychologist and close confidante of Ms. Bonsignore, also heads Stratyner & Associates, a concierge psychology practice that he founded with his daughter, Dr. Alexandra Stratyner.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace, together with County Executive Ken Jenkins.

Former two-time Westchester County Executive and currently U.S. representative for New York's 16th congressional district, George Latimer, could not be physically at the event but called in via phone from Washington DC during the ceremony to wish Ms. Bonsignore and the NCADD the best of luck and speak about the importance that the organization brings to people.

Dr. Harris B. Stratyner looks over to Joan and speaks of his fond memories and their continuing friendship.

Later in the evening, a testament to the NCADD's success and the work of Ms. Bonsignore were speeches by Ms. Barbara Waller and Ms. Eleece Martin, two women whose lives were turned around by the organization, which brought out the heart-warming tears. In addition to dinner was an exciting auction led by Kate Smith where all monies raised went to the NCADD Westchester for their continuing work helping those in the county, in all areas of dependencies.