The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids Announces Senator Gordon H. Smith as First Honoree of 2014 Winter Wish Gala

NEW YORK, June 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing teen substance abuse and supporting families impacted by addiction, announced today that it will honor Senator Gordon H. Smith, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, at its 2014 Winter Wish Gala on November 20th.

Sen. Smith joined the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) as President and CEO in November 2009. Prior to joining NAB, Sen. Smith served as a two-term U.S. senator from Oregon and later as senior advisor in the Washington offices of Covington & Burling, LLP.

"Both personally and professionally, I am honored to be recognized by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, a group who works to protect the future and health of kids and families every day," said Senator Smith. "One of my sons battled against serious, chronic and prolonged depression. Tragically, he often sought to relieve his suffering with alcohol. Eventually, he lost that battle and his life. The Partnership ensures that families like mine have a strong ally when navigating the complicated path of addiction."

During his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Smith's committee assignments included the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the panel that oversees all broadcast-related legislation. Sen. Smith also served on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Sen. Smith and his wife Sharon live in Bethesda, Md., and are the parents of three children and two grandchildren. In September 2003, their son Garrett, then a 21-year-old college student majoring in culinary arts, committed suicide after a battle with depression and alcohol that began in high school. The Smiths have been public about Garrett's story, hoping to help other families who are struggling.

"The National Association of Broadcasters and their member stations have been a steadfast partners and supporters of the Partnership for years, allowing us to reach every corner of the nation day in and day out with our public service messages that empower families to take action," said Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. "We are proud to honor Senator Smith, who has not only served as a respected leader at NAB but knows firsthand that adolescent substance use and addiction touches entire families."

The Gala is the Partnership's largest fundraiser of the year, raising close to $2 million dollars in 2013.  Past honorees have included Bill Koenigsberg, President and CEO of Horizon Media; Mark Lazarus, Chairman of NBC Sports Group; Clear Channel and more.  For more information on the 2014 Winter Wish Gala, visit drugfree.org.

About the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids is dedicated to reducing teen substance abuse and supporting families impacted by addiction. We develop public education campaigns that drive awareness of teen substance abuse, and lead teen-targeted efforts that inspire young people to make positive decisions to stay healthy and avoid drugs and alcohol. On our website, drugfree.org, and through our toll-free helpline (1-855-DRUGFREE), we provide families with direct support and guidance to help them address teen substance abuse. Finally, we build healthy communities, advocating for great access to adolescent treatment and funding for youth prevention programs. As a national nonprofit, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the public sector and are thankful to SAG-AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity.

SOURCE The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids