By Theresa DeMaria
Theresa DeMaria, left, with Priness Yasmin Khan at the kick-off reception for the Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala
Stepping into Hilton Contemporary, a gallery exuding elegance and purpose, I felt the anticipation of embarking on a meaningful journey. The occasion? A kick-off reception to herald the upcoming Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala in Chicago on May 11th at The Old Post Office.
Hosted by the event’s visionary founder, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, daughter of the iconic Rita Hayworth, along with longtime philanthropists and 2024 Gala Chairs Lori and Craig Stern, the evening radiated a commitment to combating Alzheimer’s and all dementia.
Arica Hilton, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan and Engin Türesin, Consul General of Turkey
As the reception unfolded, the air was filled with promise and excitement. Anticipation about the upcoming gala filled the air, while discussions highlighted the strides made by the Alzheimer’s Association in its relentless pursuit of a cure. Engaging with Princess Yasmin, I witnessed her passion for the cause, stemming from her personal journey as a caregiver after her mother’s diagnosis in 1981. Her courage to speak publicly about her mother’s battle marked the inception of her lifelong commitment to raising awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Jim Stone, Son of the Alzheimer’s Association Founder Jerome Stone
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan and Theresa DeMaria
Princess Yasmin emphasized the significance of the Rita Hayworth Gala, not only in honoring her mother’s legacy but also in galvanizing support and resources for the cause. She shared poignant reflections on the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, underscoring both the challenges and the progress made in its understanding and treatment. “My fight to end Alzheimer’s began when my mother, actress Rita Hayworth, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease,” she revealed. “I was immediately thrust into becoming a caregiver at a young age and I was very isolated and unsure of a path forward. When my mother was diagnosed, nobody knew about Alzheimer’s,” she shared, her voice tinged with a mix of resilience and hope. “We don’t have a cure yet, but we are on our way. The brain is the most complex organ in our body, so it’s going to take some time. It’s a worldwide problem. The average age of a person being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is 65, but there is early onset – my mother was in her fifties, but it also happens to younger people, even in their forties.”
As the conversation unfolded, it became very evident that the Rita Hayworth Gala held a special place in Princess Yasmin’s heart. “These events are so important to me because they continue to honor the legacy of my mother, while raising incredible awareness and funding for this worthy cause,” she shared. Her favorite part of the Gala? “Seeing a group of people come together to support our cause,” she exclaimed. “It is an evening where we can be there to support one another and know that we are doing what we can to help change the course of this disease.”
Sadruddin Noorani, Member of the Rita Hayworth Gala Steering Committee, Murad Nensey, Azeem Muherali and Princess Yasmin Aga Khan
Rozmin Valliani, Member of Rita Hayworth Gala Steering Committee, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan and Ambreen Khowaja
Dr. Rebecca Edelmayer, Sr. Director of Scientific Engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association, shared valuable insights into the progress of Alzheimer’s research, highlighting recent advancements in treatments and early detection methods. “It’s an exciting time for Alzheimer’s disease research,” she affirmed. “The progress we’ve seen not only in treatments that slow down disease progression, but also in the development of novel tests that can detect Alzheimer’s early and accurately, provide hope to those impacted by this disease. In Illinois alone, there are more than 250,000 people aged 65 and older with the disease and more than 311,000 Illinoisans providing unpaid care to a loved one.”
Cathleen Healy, Arica Hilton and Theresa DeMaria
Amidst the discussions and revelations, Lori and Craig Stern expressed their motivation for chairing the gala, underscoring their dedication to
accelerating research for a cure. “We have been involved with the gala for a number of years and felt it was a good year for us to play another role in helping raise funds to continue and to accelerate the research for the cure of Alzheimer’s,” they explained. Their enthusiasm for the event, coupled with the promise of an iconic venue, The Old Post Office, live music by The Party Faithful, exquisite cuisine, and impactful auctions, underscored the Gala’s potential to foster a sense of unity and purpose among attendees.
Renee Konzelman and Tara Gibney, Members of the Rita Hayworth Gala Steering Committee
Leaving the event, I felt inspired and invigorated, reminded of the collective power to combat Alzheimer’s disease. Together, we can make
a difference in this fight, one step at a time. The upcoming Rita Hayworth Gala stands as a beacon of hope, progress, and unity.
Tickets and tables available for purchase at alz.org/chicagogala. The evening will recognize Susan and Jim Draddy with the 2024 Philanthropy Award for their years of dedicated service to the Alzheimer’s Association. Exclusive rates for individuals under 40 further exemplify the organization’s commitment to engaging the Next Generation in advancing its mission.
Jim Draddy, Lisa Henige, Susan Draddy and Monte Henige
Arica Hilton and Princess Yasmin Aga Khan
