Time is of the Essence. That was the theme of the 29th annual Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala. Held on May 7, this beautifully designed event welcomed guests to the Chicago Hilton’s International Ballroom for an evening of dining, dancing and honoring those who so generously give of themselves for this organization’s mission. Live and silent auction bidding on some fabulous items from dining to sports to jewelry to travel to wine and spirits to cooking experiences created friendly sparring to help in the fundraising efforts. There was something for everyone to bid on in the end!
It is thrilling to share that with over 820 guests, more than $1 million was raised for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Under Princess Yasmin Aga Khan’s leadership, over $68 million has been raised through the Chicago, Palm Beach and New York Rita Hayworth Galas. These funds, combined with other donations, have helped the Alzheimer’s Association work toward our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s disease.”
Saturday night’s black tie ball began with images of Rita Hayworth amidst shades of purple. As you enter the ballroom, the stunning purple (in honor of Alzheimer’s disease) could be seen throughout in the flowers and table settings along with the clocks embedded in the centerpieces (for the theme of the event) showcasing how every detail was thought of. There were even guests in tuxedos with purple bow ties and cummerbunds. The support for this benefit was extraordinary.
The presentation portion of the event began with the 2016 Rita Hayworth Award being given to Dr. Lisa Genova, the NY Times Best Selling Author, for her contribution to Alzheimer’s disease awareness through her book and film, “Still Alice”. The Cantore Family received the 2016 Family Philanthropy Award and Silverado, the 2016 Corporate Award for the efforts of their memory care facilities. The Gala would not have been possible without the generous support from presenting sponsors Joan and Paul Rubschlager. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, the galas founder and daughter of Rita Hayworth, shared her mission for the gala. Event chair, June Barnard shared her personal reasons for wanting to raise awareness and funding. Finally, we heard from a guest who had been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, making everything we are all so passionate about, real. The need for a cure, instantly more critical.
From the high energy CoverGirls during cocktails to the Orchestra 33’s “Party Gras” Band following dinner, the dance floor was in constant motion. We were celebrating the drive and intensity of everyone who was there to support the Alzheimer’s Association. The presence of compassion, determination and warmth of everyone in the room was tangible. Heartwarming. Beautiful.
This year’s Gala brought together many of the Association’s loyal donors to celebrate the progress of the Alzheimer’s Association and to raise awareness of the important work that still needs to be done. In 2017, we will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Rita Hayworth Gala. A momentous year with big goals to continue our mission to fund more research to find a cure and provide support to those in need. Please join in the efforts of this organization. Everyone is able to make a difference!
That sounds like a fun event. I have never been to a gala like that before.
The decor is absolutely stunning. I love great attention to detail and clocks are so perfect for this theme.
WOW! What an amazing event! Alzheimers is such a horrible disease. It’s sad to watch someone still be here physically but not actually be here. They aren’t them anymore. =( I think it’s amazing so much money has been raised to work towards finding answers for this disease. Your photos are beautiful! Thank you for sharing this with us! I hope they find answers sooner than later.
Thank you, Amanda, for your kind words. I also hope a cure is found very soon. Too many loved ones suffering.
It looks like it was a beautiful event. It’s great that they were able to raise so much money towards an awesome cause.
What a great party for something that should be in the spotlight. The more we talk about it the more we want to do something about it such a terrible disease anything that can help would be good.
I love that so much money was raised in support of Alzheimer’s Disease. My husband’s grandfather suffered from it and it is sad to see first hand what the disease can do.
I have a friend whose mom has alzheimers. It is such a sad disease. Galas such as this are so important because more research, medication and a cure are needed.
This is really neat, I have never heard of a gala like this, what a fun time!
This is totally neat, I had not known of this event before, loving that you were able to share the results and all of the fabulous photos with us!
What an amazing event. I’m glad they were able to raise funds by hosting this gala. It really was beautiful.
What a beautiful event! I am glad that so many people were there to support such an important cause like Alzheimers.
Omg it must of been amazing to go to a gala like this!!! I have never been to one but they look so fun!
The entire event looked super beautiful. It is so amazing that a large sum of funds was raised to benefit an important cause.
This sounds like it was an amazing event for everyone. It is awesome that over 1 million dollars was raised from this event for Alzheimer’s research . Hopefully there won’t have to be anymore of these events soon. Thanks for sharing the wonderful news and event.
What a wonderful event. Alzheimers runs in our family, sadly I know way too much about it. These events are a god sent, as the government funding is way too low.
Hi Jenn, I am sorry to hear that you are too familiar with the disease. It is very sad to see what happens to those we love. I do what I can to raise money and awareness so hopefully we can get more funding. Thank you for your thoughts.
This sounds like such a great event and for such a worthy cause. Alzheimer’s is an awful disease. I almost think it’s worse for the family and friends than the actual sufferer.
Tori, you are so right. It’s heartbreaking for the family. Thank you for your thoughts.
Wow, that is an amazing amount of money raised for such a great cause. Glad to hear this.
This looks like an amazing even for a great cause!! That is amazing that those funds will go towards such a great cause.