This year’s Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala, themed “After 25 Years…A Sparking Silver Celebration,” takes place on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel.  As always, this event promises to be one of the most glamorous and highly anticipated evenings of the season featuring multi-platinum rock and soul singer Daryl Hall. 

Lily Safra is the 2008 Rita Hayworth Award recipient and the Hearst Corporation, Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is the 2008 Corporate Award recipient.  Princess Yasmin Aga Khan and Allen Brill are the Gala Co- Chairs, and Rolex Watch USA, Inc. is Underwriting the Gala.  Muffie Potter Aston is the Sponsor Chair, Donna Dixon Aykroyd, Susan Hess and Anne R. Hearst McInerney are the Auction Co-Chairs, Nurit Kahane Haase is the Journal Chair, Hilary Dick and Andrea Stark are the Gift Bag Co-Chairs, Dennis Basso and Mark Locks are the Corporate Committee Co-Chairs and Karyn Kornfeld is the Associates Committee Co-Chair. 

The annual Rita Hayworth Gala is one of New York City’s most prestigious and successful fundraising events.  Last year, the Gala raised more than $2 million.  Over the past 24 years, the Rita Hayworth Galas in New York and Chicago have raised more than $50 million for Alzheimer’s Association care, support and research programs.  Princess Yasmin Aga Khan established the Gala in memory of her mother, Rita Hayworth, who suffered from the disease for many years before her death in 1987.

The cocktail reception and silent auction for this black tie gala start at 6:30 p.m., followed by the award presentation, dinner and dancing at 7:30 p.m.  Support levels are as follows: Tables at $50,000, $35,000, $25,000, $12,500; Tickets at $5,000, $3,500, $2,500, $1,250.

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.  Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.  Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.  For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, visit www.alz.org or call 1-800-272-3900.