The New York kickoff for the Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala took place at Saks Fifth Avenue and featured fashions by Naeem Khan.  In attendance were Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, the General Chair, and Alexandra Lebenthal, the Gala Chair.  The evening was in anticipation of the Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala themed "So Near & Yet So Far" which will take place on Thursday, October 27, 2009 in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf=Astoria.

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.  In 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 lived with the disease for many years before her death
in 1987.

Muffie Potter Aston is the 2009 Rita Hayworth Award recipient, Lonnie Wollin, Esq. is the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and John, Margo,
Andrea and John Jr. Catsimatidis are the recipients of the family Philanthropy Award.  Rolex Watch USA, Inc. is underwriting the gala.

For Gala ticket information please call 212 843 1712

fax:  212 843 1730 or  e-mail alz@hgnyc.com

For more information about the Alzheimer's Association please visit www.alz.org or call  1-800-272-3900.