The Alzheimer’s Association Chicago hosted the highly anticipated Rita Hayworth Gala at The Old Post Office, attracting over 400 attendees and raising close to $900,000 for the organization’s vital initiatives focused on care, support, and research programs.
The event was brilliantly hosted by Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, the daughter of the iconic actress Rita Hayworth, and co-chaired by Rozmin and Ebrahim Valliani, emphasizing the evening’s theme, ‘Hope in Bloom.’
A poignant moment of pride was shared by Sharon Markman, who stood on stagewith her mother and daughter, reflecting three generations impacted by Alzheimer’s.
Markman conveyed her support for the Alzheimer’s Association’s ongoing commitment, expressing hope for breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment: “The evening was filled with poignant moments of hope with the dream that significant diagnosis and treatment breakthroughs are closer than we think.”
The gala featured Chicago Bulls’ Assistant Coach John Bryant as emcee and highlighted the Mendelson and Markman families, who were honored for their dedicated three-generational commitment to the cause.
Guests enjoyed a rich program, including a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, and both live and silent auctions. The silent auction boasted high-profile items such as a Taylor Swift signed guitar, custom ALZ Nike sneakers, sports memorabilia, and unique travel experiences, drawing excitement from attendees.
The night’s festivities culminated in a stunning tribute to Rita Hayworth’s legacy as a dancer, featuring a performance by Jessica and Stanislav of Windy City Wedding Dance, who encouraged audience members to join them on the dance floor.
In her remarks, Princess Yasmin reflected on the progress made in the fight against Alzheimer’s over the past four decades, stating, “After over 40 years, I am incredibly proud of the hope and progress we’ve achieved. We now have FDA-approved drugs on the market and more in development.”
Linda Mendelson, Sharon Mendelson Markman, and Alexa Markman were presented with the Philanthropy Award during the evening, recognizing their unwavering commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Linda’s mother, Libby Weinstein, who experienced her own Alzheimer’s journey.
The Mendelson family shared their personal stories about the profound effects of the disease on their lives, emphasizing the critical role the Association has played in helping them navigate their challenges.
Rita Hayworth, the iconic American actress, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s in 1980.
In memory of her mother, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan established the Rita Hayworth Galas, which have evolved over the years into a series of prominent events across the country. To date, these galas have successfully raised more than $90 million to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission of combating the disease.
Gala co-chair Ebrahim Valliani highlighted the event’s purpose: “Year after year, we come together — not just to raise money, but to raise awareness and hope. We do this in memory of those we’ve lost, in support of those still battling, and in honor of those who care for them every single day.”
The impact of Alzheimer’s disease stretches beyond the gala, affecting millions daily. Currently, more than seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, with over 250,000 individuals aged 65 and older in Illinois alone.
Nationwide, over 11 million friends and family members are serving as caregivers, including over 312,000 in Illinois who provide unpaid care to their loved ones.
The evening was a celebration of support and progress, fueling optimism for a future without Alzheimer’s and encouraging continued efforts in research and education.
For further information on the Alzheimer’s Association, visit alz.org/chicagogala.
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