The 35th Annual Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala
Rita Hayworth said, “I’ve had a lot of unhappiness in my life — and a lot of happiness. Who doesn’t? Maybe I’ve learned enough to be able to guide my daughters.” The 35th Annual Rita Hayworth Gala was held at Cipriani 42nd Street on the evening of October 23rd in New York City. Her daughter, gala co-founder and chair Princess Yasmin Aga Khan and gala co-chair Anne Hearst McInerney hosted the high society black tie affair. More than 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Since the inaugural Rita Hayworth Gala over three decades ago, the New York City, Chicago and Palm Beach events have raised more than $75 million to support the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzhemier’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in care support and research.
The “Blazing Trails” gala was underwritten by Rolex. The denim and diamonds theme was inspired by the western “They Came from Córdoba” starring Rita Hayworth, Gary Cooper, Van Heflin and Tab Hunter set during the Mexican Border Incursion of 1916.
Yaz as her friends call her affectionately had her powerful woman posse of benefit committee members Liliana Cavendish, Hilary Dick, Diandra de Morrell Douglas, Laura Durning, Michele Herbert, Patty Smyth McEnroe and Andrea Stark and Gala steering committee Margo Catsimatidis, Nurit Kahane Haase, Karyn Kornfeld, Louise Kornfeld, Robin Meltzer and Martha Webster.
The red carpet arrivals included David Hyde Pierce, Martha Stewart, Nicole Miller, Jay McInerney, John McEnroe, Ashley Williams, Candace Bushnell, Chuck Scarborough, Harold Koda, Éric Ripert, Stellene Volandes, Debbie Bancroft, Robert Verdi, Patricia Raynes and CeCe Cord.
The country western chic dressed guests swirled about the cocktail hour enjoying the open bar and hors d’ouerves. The silent auction boasted a luxurious collection of travel, style and exclusive experiences including exquisite Judith Lieber crystal clutches, Macallan 25 year old single malt Scotch, two day stay at Grace Bay Club in Turks and Caicos, dinner for four at Italian restaurant Babbo and backstage visit at “Watch What Happens Live”, golf with Princess Yasmin Aga Khan at Shinnecock golf course and Giada Di Laurentiis tasting event and two day hotel Vegas package.
Cipriani 42 ST was decked out in elegant purple gingham tablecloths, purple and white roses, hydrangeas and peony centerpieces and tea light candles. Everyone moseyed into the sit down dinner of red and white endive with avocado and shaved Parmesan starter, braised short ribs or branzino, rosemary smashed potatoes and corn succotash. Dessert was a delicious slice of warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream. As the waiters filled wine glasses with Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay the program begin.
Willie Geist, host of NBC News’ Sunday TODAY and Co-Host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe emceed the evening. He shared eye opening statistics about the impact of Alzheimer’s on families and caregivers, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s recent public announcement of her diagnosis of dementia and toasted Rita Hayworth’s 100th birthday.
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan paid tribute to her close friend Libet Johnson calling her “passionate, kind, adventurous and a thoughtful and devoted friend” who lost her battle to the disease at 66 years old last year. She introduced Elizabeth Ross Johnson’s son Oliver Johnson Kennan who accepted the Champion award on behalf of the Johnson family. Oliver thanked her and said hopefully “we can be there for those when they are in their time of need.”
2018 Gala Co-Chair Anne Hearst McInerney said how gratifying it is “to work with such a great group of women to advance this important cause”. Longtime Alzheimer’s Association advocate David Hyde Pierce spoke about the strides the Alzheimer’s Association has made in increasing federal funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia research.
Rising country star Jay Allen performed his original song “Blank Stares” with his mother who battles with the disease embraced by his side. Singer and songwriter Patty Smyth McEnroe also performed a set, including “Stand by Your Man”, which she dedicated to her husband John McEnroe. Good old country music was performed by The California Cowboys.
The beautiful fall evening ended on a triumph note as guests left with eco-friendly gift bags with Peter Thomas Roth skincare, Madame Paulette kits, Friend Fun wine and a $100 Saks Fifth Avenue gift card knowing the fantastic soiree aided the fight to end Alzheimer’s Disease. The Rita Hayworth Gala raised $1.6 million for critical Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.
