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Global Lyme
Alliance (GLA), the world’s leading
organization dedicated to the research and education of Lyme and
other tick-borne diseases, announced its third annual New York
City Gala raised $2 million.
The funding will support GLA’s mission to advance scientific
research leading to a reliable diagnostic test and better
treatment protocols, as well as educate both the public and
physicians about Lyme disease.
This year’s gala, produced by celebrity event
planner Larry Scott of Lawrence
Scott Events, was attended by more than 700 supporters at
Cipriani 42nd Street and honored Marisol
Thomas, philanthropist, animal rights advocate and wife of
Grammy Award-winning musician Rob Thomas and
Joseph Abboud, celebrated and award-winning menswear
designer and author of Threads: My Life Behind the Seams in
the High-Stakes World of Fashion and Fashion Designer
Encyclopedia, for their active roles in driving awareness of
Lyme disease and their commitment to finding a cure for this
complex and misunderstood disease. The event was hosted by Rosanna
Scotto, co-anchor of FOX 5’s Good Day New York.
For Scott, it’s all about the mix—the high and
the low, the formal and relaxed—when it comes to creating a
truly standout celebration. Scott’s innate understanding of his
guests makes everyone feel included; and his usage of
exclusively in-house services means clients receive only the
best in custom décor, food, florals, and entertainment, creating
timeless, unforgettable events.
“The threat of Lyme is real, and growing by the
day. This gala helps get us closer to finding answers, and
ultimately a cure for Lyme disease, thanks to the support and
generosity of everyone involved,” said GLA CEO Scott
Santarella. “We are truly grateful to have such tremendous
support this year. From our honorees, to our co-chairs, donors,
and everyone else who played a role in making this event
successful, we are so thankful.”
The Co-Chairs for the gala included Tim
Baxter, president and CEO, Samsung Electronics America; Nick
Lippman, partner, Lippman Entertainment; Jay
McInerney, best-selling author; Jarrod
Nadel, chief product development director, Tailored Brands,
Inc.; Julian Niccolini,
partner, The Four Seasons Restaurant; David
Nolan, vice chairman, Millennium Management; Larry
Scott, owner, Lawrence Scott Events; Rob
Thomas, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and
producer; Alex von Bidder,
partner, The Four Seasons Restaurant. The evening’s Honorary
Event chairs included Yolanda
Hadid, television personality and author; Ally
Hilfiger, author, Lyme advocate and fashion designer; Dee and Tommy
Hilfiger; Thalia Mottola,
singer/songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur; Mike
Schneider, broadcast journalist and documentary producer.
The ceremony was followed by performances from
special musical guests, including Grammy award- winning artist Rob
Thomas and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and front man
for the band bearing his name Chris
Daughtry. Guests were also treated to amazing food inspired
by The Four Seasons Restaurant’s new menu, courtesy of executive
chef Pecko Zantilaveevan.
Notable attendees included Larry
Scott, Yolanda Hadid,
Ally Hilfiger, Marisol and Rob
Thomas, Chris Daughtry, Bryan Adams, Ramona Singer, Joseph
Abboud, Jean Shafiroff, Rosanna Scotto, Jim Miller, Charles
Balducci, Debbie Siciliano, Rob Kobre, Diane Blanchard, Scott
Santarella, Staci Grodin, Andrew Saffir, Daniel Benedict, Richard
Baker and many others.
Everyone is susceptible to Lyme and is just one
tick bite away from contracting the disease. Cases of Lyme have
been reported in all 50 states and more than 80 countries,
making it a health crisis with worldwide impact. Additionally,
current diagnostic tests for Lyme disease are inaccurate in more
than fifty percent of Lyme patients, leading to both failed and
misdiagnoses.
The number of cases reported annually has
increased nearly 25-fold since national surveillance began in
1982. 329,000 people in the United States alone contract Lyme
disease each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. |