(Thursday, May 6, 2010 — New York, NY) – Hundreds of New York City’s civic minded young professionals, activists, philanthropists and other supporters gathered tonight at Collective Consciousness, an annual gala hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter Junior Committee at Hudson Terrace.  This annual fundraiser featured fabulous cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, music by DJ Chachi, dancing, and a silent auction.  Guests enjoyed Hudson Terrace’s stunning outdoor space with magnificent views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline.  The Carl Marks Foundation and Judd Arnold each purchased a table at the gala.

On hand at the gala was Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter.  Barkan said, “Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects more than just the elderly -- it impacts entire communities and our Junior Committee understands that.  Many Committee members have had to deal with this insidious disease from a very young age.  Many of them have witnessed the physical, emotional and financial strain Alzheimer’s has on each member of the family—young and old.  I would like to thank everyone who made this evening a success with special recognition to The Carl Marks Foundation and Judd Arnold for their outstanding generosity.”

Auction items included a Gotham Dream Car Tour; private tutored wine tasting for you and friends; a tour of ESPN; a Jimmy Fallon tour; two tickets to the annual Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter Forget-Me-Not Gala in June; luxury apparel and dining experiences; a
30-day pass to New York Sports Club; and tickets to The Daily Show; among others.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that severely diminishes a person's memory, ability to reason and, ultimately, the ability to function.  Every 70 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer’s.  By mid-century, someone will develop the disease every 33 seconds.  The event’s proceeds will help the Chapter serve the more than 250,000 people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s that live in the five boroughs of New York City, their family members and caregivers in addition to providing vital funds for research.

The Junior Committee of the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias to a generation who may not be as familiar with the statistics and devastating effects of the disease.  This is accomplished through events, education and support to further the efforts of the New York City Chapter. Committee members include young professional in their 20s and 30s.

About the Alzheimer’s Association, NYC Chapter:  The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter is to create and promote comprehensive and humane care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, to provide support for their families and professional caregivers, and to eliminate  Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research.  The Chapter meets this mission in the community through increasing public awareness, providing education, creating and encouraging replication of model programs, collaborating with  research centers, and undertaking advocacy.