The 2025 Annual Recognition Dinner at Heart, Love & Soul was marked by a profound sense of celebration and community, made all the more memorable by the presence of our distinguished honorary co-chairs, Dick Smothers and his wife, Marie. With grace, generosity, and a shared commitment to service, the Smothers brought not only star power but also thoughtful engagement to a night dedicated to compassion and collective impact.
Renowned as one half of the trailblazing Smothers Brothers comedy duo, Dick Smothers is no stranger to public acclaim. His iconic television career broke new ground in American entertainment and challenged social norms through humor and wit. Yet, it is his and Marie’s enduring devotion to philanthropic work that brought them to our organization. A proud Western New York native, Marie introduced Dick to the region’s vibrant and resilient nonprofit community, where the couple has become deeply involved, lending their voices — and Dick’s considerable public profile — to support organizations often working quietly on the front lines of need.
Several months prior to the event, Marie toured the Heart, Love & Soul campus. Deeply moved by our mission and the work being done each day to serve those most vulnerable, she and Dick committed themselves wholeheartedly to supporting our efforts — not simply in name, but through active and meaningful participation.
In the hour preceding the dinner, the Smothers graciously hosted an intimate Q&A session for event sponsors. Dick offered thoughtful reflections on his remarkable career — recalling moments from the stage and screen, stories of his brother and comedic partner Tom, and encounters with notable figures across decades in show business. Marie, in turn, shared personal memories of her upbringing in Western New York, insights into their life together, and the values that continue to shape their dedication to charitable work.
As the program commenced, Dick and Marie warmly welcomed guests, setting the tone for an evening filled with gratitude, camaraderie, and shared purpose. Their presence throughout the night was met with enthusiasm — particularly during the live auction, where dinner packages with the Smothers drew competitive bidding and quickly became some of the most sought-after experiences of the night.
A highlight of the evening came when Dick was presented with a striking portrait of himself and his brother Tom, created by renowned artist Philip Burke. The piece was a gift from local attorney and longtime Heart, Love & Soul supporter John Bartolomei, who, though unable to attend in person, wished to acknowledge the cultural impact of the Smothers Brothers in a lasting way. Dick and Marie accepted the portrait with visible appreciation, recognizing both the artistry of the work and the significance of the gesture.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Dick and Marie Smothers for serving as honorary co-chairs of this year’s dinner. Their sincerity, thoughtfulness, and generosity elevated the evening and brought renewed attention to the mission of Heart, Love & Soul.
Their involvement will remain a meaningful part of this year’s story — not only for the joy they brought to the event, but for the care they’ve shown toward the community we serve.
Media Contact Information
Michael Jones
Marketing and Communications Manager
Phone: 716-282-5687 Ext. 111
Email: m.jones@heartloveandsoul.org