Rita Hayworth Gala to Benefit Alzheimer’s Association

Naeem Khan, Hilary Gumbel, Ranjana Khan and Bryant Gumbel attended the Alzheimer's Association cocktail reception at Saks Fifth Avenue.

We recently attended the cocktail reception at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City for the 2009 Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala, taking place Oct. 27 at the Waldorf-Astoria. In attendance was the Hollywood legend’s daughter Princess Yasmin Aga Khan.

She launched the galas in 1985 in honor of her mother, who died from the disease in 1987, and since their inception the galas have raised more than $53 million for the Alzheimer’s Association. Models strolled through the reception wearing stunning designs from the 2010 spring collection of designer Naeem Khan, and on display was equally exquisite jewelry designed by his wife, Ranjana Khan. Ten percent of the proceeds from clothing or jewelry purchased that evening went to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Naeem Khan, who was in attendance with Ranjana and son Zaheen, says that he did not become familiar with Alzheimer’s disease until moving to the United States. (In India, where Khan was born, Alzheimer’s rates are among the world’s lowest.) He became involved with the gala six years ago through the princess, who “is like a sister to me,” Khan says. He says he watched a friend suffer from the disease for many years and finds Alzheimer’s a very compelling cause. Also in attendance were Bryant and Hilary Gumbel, Rita Hayworth Award 2009 honoree Muffie Potter Aston, Lifetime Achievement Award winner Lonnie E. Wollin, as well as John, Margo, Andrea and John Jr. Catsimatidis, who will receive the Family Philanthropy Award. The theme of this year’s gala, underwritten by Rolex Watch USA, is “So Near & Yet So Far,” a Cole Porter song from the 1941 film You’ll Never Get Rich, starring Hayworth and dance legend Fred Astaire. For the first time, a Rita Hayworth Gala also will be held in Dallas on Nov. 14 at the Ritz-Carlton. The Chicago gala will be held May 8.

We’re glad to see such a show of support for the Alzheimer’s Association, which has influenced public policy changes, increased funding for dementia research and provided supportive family services since 1982. Do you plan to donate time or money this November for National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month?

Photo credit: Patrick McMullan

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