#USA #New York #Alzheimer's Association #Imagine Benefit #Rita Hayworth

41st Imagine Benefit Gala: A Night of Hope and Commitment

On October 22, 2025, the Alzheimer's Association hosted its 41st Imagine Benefit at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. Established as a continuation of the beloved Rita Hayworth Gala, the event achieved an impressive fundraising total of over $1.3 million. This amount is earmarked for advancing the organization's mission of enhancing Alzheimer's research, promoting early detection, reducing risks, and improving care quality.

The historical significance of the gala is rooted in its establishment by Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, honoring her mother, the legendary actress Rita Hayworth. Since its inception in 1984, the event has successfully raised more than $91 million to combat Alzheimer's disease.

This year, the event celebrated the contributions of Peter Thomas Roth, who received the Rita Hayworth Award for his unwavering dedication to Alzheimer’s advocacy and fundraising initiatives over two decades. During his poignant speech, he emphasized the collective effort needed to combat Alzheimer's, noting, "Let’s keep fighting. Let’s keep laughing. And let’s keep showing up—until the only thing we forget is what it felt like to lose someone to this disease."

Adding a touch of enchantment to the evening, Christophe Fox, a renowned mentalist, captivated the audience with his remarkable talent. His three-part performance, themed "Magic of the Mind," created an engaging atmosphere filled with awe and astonishment, reinforcing the themes of inspiration and motivation associated with the event.

The evening was further enriched by an intimate sharing moment led by Rachel Chavkin, a Tony Award-winning director, and her husband Jake Heinrichs. They discussed their family's personal journey with a genetic mutation linked to Alzheimer's, underscoring the importance of scientific progress in combating this debilitating disease. Their heartfelt message resonated with the audience as they called for continued investment in research: "Alzheimer's knows no political, economic, or geographic boundaries. Research is the difference between which children will grow up with a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent—or without them."

Live music and entertainment from the Cafe Wha? UNLMITD Band kept spirits high throughout the evening, facilitating a celebration bolstered by a spirited live auction, featuring generous contributions from notable figures such as Wayne Brady and Hunt Slonem.

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, as founder and honorary chair of the event, passionately recounted her personal connection to Alzheimer's disease, stemming from her mother’s diagnosis in 1981 which transformed her into a caregiver at a young age. She expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of the supporting community, stating, "One day, with the work done by the Alzheimer's Association, we won't have to imagine a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. We will live it."

This gala showcases the extraordinary work performed by the Alzheimer's Association's dedicated leadership team, including chairs such as Joseph Boitano, Brooke, and Oliver Kennan. Moreover, young leaders like Randy and Paula Harris, along with Katherine Schultz, were instrumental in mobilizing the next generation to engage in the fight against Alzheimer's.

The evening attracted a range of distinguished guests from various industries, including art, fashion, and media, contributing to the gala's elegant ambience. Notable attendees included Huma Abedin, Grace Cayre, and Peter Gallagher, further showcasing the unity of the community in supporting the Alzheimer's cause.

The event was graciously underwritten by Rolex Watch USA, with additional contributions from Aphrodise and Miss Maude Chocolates, who catered to guests with delightful offerings.

Funds raised from this year’s benefit will continue to aid the Alzheimer's Association's vital mission to enhance research, increase awareness, and provide essential support to families impacted by this life-altering condition. With an estimated 426,000 New Yorkers living with Alzheimer's disease, the need for continued advocacy and support is critical.

To assist or learn more about the Alzheimer's Association, visit alz.org or call their 24/7 helpline at 1.800.272.3900. Every contribution counts in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and offers hope for a future without it.