HONOREES
We are very grateful for our friends who continually provide the encouragement and
support that helps make us successful.
Todd Crandell is a sober suicide survivor who has beaten the odds to become “The Original Sober Triathlete SM,” from Hockey Goalie to completing over 119 IRONMAN competitions around the world. He has dedicated his life to helping those in recovery with a holistic approach to clinical support, with a focus on proper plant-based nutrition and exercise. Crandell’s program delves into the “why” of trauma and the accountability of choice. A natural entrepreneur, Todd founded Racing for Recovery™, a CARF certified 501 (c)(3) non-profit, in 2001 as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S) and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC-CS).
Crandell is a six-time author, subject of four documentaries, public speaker, celebrity addiction and mental health counselor, anti-bullying ambassador, a Vegan (since 2/1/16), and celebrated his 31st anniversary of sobriety with the release of his 6th book, “Creating Todd Crandell” on 4/15/24. His newest book is written to speak to your core with a message that you are not your trauma and you can rise above that by living your TRUTH.
William J. Dockery
Heisman Trophy Trustee
William John Dockery (Bill) was born in the Fort Hamilton section of Brooklyn New York on September 17, 1942. His parents emigrated from Ireland in the early 1900’s and met in New York City. Bill enjoyed being part of a large family of seven children. He attended Brooklyn Prep and then Belmont Abbey College on a basketball scholarship, playing for the legendary Al McGuire. Bill graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1968 as a law review member. He has practiced Business Law for 53 years in the Financial District with a concentration in securities, commodities and commercial litigation.
PHILANTHROPIC / PRO BONO ENDEAVORS:
Bill has supported United Cerebral Palsy, now ADAPT Community Network, for over 40 years. He partnered with John Dockery and Jerry Belson to provide funds, vehicles and equipment to create a ray of sunshine in the lives of severely disabled residents of Belsky House in Brooklyn.
In 2002, he was appointed by Hon. Judith Kaye, Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, to the initial board of directors of the Attorney Client Fee Dispute Resolution Program – Part 137; he continues to serve today.
Bill is a steadfast advocate of Dynamite Youth Center and has been serving as an active member of their Advisory Board for many years. He also continues to be an advisor to Saint Martin de Porres Academy in New Haven, Connecticut.
HEISMAN TROPHY TRUST / DOWNTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB (“DAC”)
In 1997 at a membership meeting of the DAC to approve a sale and leaseback of the DAC’s 242,000 square foot building, Bill spoke in opposition to the plan because it would have been impossible for the DAC to comply with the terms of the proposed lease.
As a result of the meeting, a Committee to Save the DAC was formed, none of whom Bill previously knew. The Committee nominated Bill to head an opposition slate of officers to run the DAC. Traditionally, operation and control of the DAC was passed to the Vice President. The opposition slate prevailed and assumed operation of the DAC at a time when it was in dire financial straits. The 242,000 square foot building had not been maintained, its 125 employees belonged to 5 separate unions, its mortgage was in default, and its tax lien was accruing interest of $1,700 per day. The DAC’s sole asset, other than the building, was the Heisman Trophy.
The officers and directors determined that the only solution was to file for Chapter 11 protection, and to litigate to create a new trust for the Heisman Trophy. After much contested litigation, the Chapter 11 plan was confirmed and a new Heisman Trophy Trust created. Through the efforts of the current trustees, the late Hon. John E. Sprizzo and others, the Heisman Trophy was snatched from the rubble of the DAC and placed in a federally sanctioned 501(c)(3) charitable trust. All debts of the DAC were paid. The Heisman Trophy Trust does not seek nor accept donations, but generates revenue by licensing the Heisman Trophy marks.
The stewardship of the Heisman by a dedicated cadre of pro bono Trustees has resulted in the Trust now having over $50,000,000.00 in assets, $3,000,000.00 of which is donated each year to worthwhile charities. Bill served as President of the Trust for twenty (20) years.