Fork It Alzheimer’s
The knives and forks were out at the 2021 Fork It Alzheimer’s benefit on Saturday, July 31st in Bridgehampton. The inaugural farm to table dinner hosted by event Founders and Chairs Daryl and Irwin Simon at their home supports the Alzheimer’s Association. The evening benefit goal was smashed bringing in over $760,000 to fund care programs, support and research programs in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease.
The 300 coveted guests dressed up in Hamptons summer chic for the beautiful outdoor affair. All arrived by chauffeured golf carts from the property entrance to a picturesque setting overlooking acres of vast farmland before making their way to a large Sperry tent topped with purple flags. The outdoor oasis was a breathtaking tableau with an unparalleled view of the sky.
Gratuitous host and hostess Darryl and Irwin circulated and said hello to everyone who attended. Daryl’s colorful tie dye dress was stunning. Sadly the devastating disease has impacted both of their families, Daryl and Irwin has made it their mission to help fight Alzheimer’s. Over 6 million Americans and more than 11 million caregivers struggle with the disease and the hardships of caring for someone with dementia.
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan was there sporting a chic bejeweled top and flirty three tier Ralph Lauren floral skirt. Her own caregiving for her mother, movie royalty Rita Hayworth inspired her early ongoing philantrophy to address the always urgent need for research for a cure. Stacy Bash-Polley, Nadia Inwood, Robert Mayer, and Ed Scher served on the Fork It Alzheimer’s host committee for the benefit.
The casual vibe begin with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, in the tented open terrace. Waiters passed silver trays of tuna tartare, duck rolls, goat cheese balls and miniature famed Lunch Lobster Rolls. Meet ups, shop talk and current affairs over sips of wine, classic signature drinks, frozen concoctions and plenty of ninety proof options such as Sagaponack Vodka and Froze Rose from a buzzy cocktail menu at the bar courtesy of Constellation Brands.
The DJ set the mood spinning old school tunes of James Brown, AWB, Stevie Wonder et al. Guests Steve Madden, Ramy Brook, Corey Paige Bloomberg, Jill Heller, Frank Holland, Stew and Kim Leonard, Deanna Rockefeller and Michael Serruya were in the groove.
Shawn Frankel and Lauren Geller (Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images)
For the second time, New Generation committee of Gen-Y led by Matthew Sandberg and Nicolette Simon as Next Gun chairs bought dynamic new energy to the gathering.
After cocktails the hosts, committees, supporters, guests and friends grabbed a seat for the seated “farm-to-fork” dinner. The chef curated menu was a celebration of New York-sourced ingredients from community purveyors. Long, farm-style dinner tables with Mediterranean decor from Marders adorned with a first course of antipasti vegetables, Tuscan kale and mozzarella with fava bean salads.
Daryl Simon, Frank Holland (Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images)
Handsome CNBC’s Frank Holland was the emcee and thanked the “powerhouse hosts” for “making an incredible difference in the battle against Alzheimer’s.” Daryl praised the next generation “taking the reins and making the cause their own.” Passionate in her own personal pledge she declared, “Together, we will fight for a world without Alzheimer’s.”
Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO Harry Johns took questions from the crowd on the latest in Alzheimer’s research. Johns covered hot topics all from last week’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. During the evening’s Mission Moment speaker Michelle Florin gave a meaningful testament of her late mother’s battle with younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
Everyone tucked into the main course of grilled branzino with cured tomato relish, organic chicken in preserved lemon and picholine olive sauce with polenta frites or marinara and Parmesan eggplant meatballs with zucchini noodles. The meal was complimented by Terso Bianco and Valpolicella Classico from Marchesa Fumanelli.
The evening marked Irwin’s birthday where the Simon children, Nicolette, Lucas, Trevor and Garett rallied a lively fund-a-need moment. Irwin spoke on how fortunate they all were to be together to raise funds and awareness for such an important cause. Following dinner, the party was on as guests danced, drank Hudson Roaster coffee cocktails or indulged in the fun of make-your-own s’mores over a large fire.
Last year’s 2019 Inaugural Fork It Alzheimer’s event, helped fund four research grants, including two in New York, as well as supported the local efforts of the New York City and Long Island Chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association’s. These funds were particularly critical during the pandemic when the community depended on the Alzheimer’s Association more than ever before.
Daryl Simon, Stacey Silverstein (Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images)
Thanks to the evening soiree’s Presenting Sponsor Jefferies Bank, with generous support from Double Diamond Farms, Moelis & Company, Stacy, Ethan, and Owen Polley, Michael Serruya & Andy DeFrancesco, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and Leesa and Leon Wagner for the superb dinner experience while bringing awareness and support to Alzheimer’s Disease. Up next: the fabulous Reimagined Rita Hayworth Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center in the Fall.
All funds raised help advance research to end this deadly disease and enhance care and support for families living with Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Fork it Alzheimers directly supports the Alzheimer’s Association’s research program and the local efforts of the New York City and Long Island Chapters of the Association.
Alzheimer’s Association Inaugural Fork It Alzheimer’s Farm-to-Table benefit was a huge forking success.
