What is the Emerald Spirit Award?

A big‐hearted sober Irish initiative, the Emerald Spirit Award is given annually to honor extraordinary dedication and devotion to improving the lives of family members of alcoholics and addicts.

This Emerald Spirit award captures the generous heart of the Irish people and is presented on St. Patrick’s Day in New York City at the annual Sober St. Patrick’s Day® party. Thus, the award goes to the core of celebrating the Irish national holiday in the sober spirit of the day as captured by our mission:

“To reclaim the true spirit of the day and to change the perception and experience of what St. Patrick’s Day can be, both in the U.S. and abroad, by providing family‐friendly, alcohol free events celebrating the best of Irish music, dance and comedy.”

Who are recipients of the Emerald Spirit Award?

This unique award is for professionals active in the field of family recovery from addiction. As such, it honors an under‐recognized community of dedicated professional and advocates who work with family members, including children and adult children of alcoholics, collaterally affected by the family disease of addiction.

The Emerald Spirit Award was first presented at the inaugural Sober St. Patrick's Day ® in New York City. It is a key component of the day's party and program.

Emerald Spirit Award 2013

Jerry Moe Betty Ford Center Children’s Programs Vice President and National Director of Children’s Programs, Jerry Moe is nationally and internationally known as an author, lecturer, and trainer on issues for young children from addicted families. He is also featured in the documentary Lost Childhood: Growing Up in an Alcoholic Family. This hero will be presented with the second Emerald Spirit Award on March 16, 2013.

Emerald Spirit Award 2012

Sis Wenger National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) In Sis Wenger’s 20 years as NACoA President and CEO, she expanded the organization’s programming and reach, building a national and international mission and establishing NACoA as the unequivocal voice for children and families impacted by alcohol and drug use problems. This untiring champion received the inaugural Emerald Spirit Award.

Sober St. Patrick’s Day® is a registered trademark. Usage of this name without permission is prohibited by law. Click here or go to the "Join Us" page on this website for instructions re possibly hosting your own event utilizing this name.