#United States #New York #Alzheimer's Association #Fork It Fund #Stacy Polley

An Evening of Music and Purpose: Act VI for the Fork It Fund

On October 8, 2026, Sony Hall in New York City was transformed into a vibrant hub of music and community spirit for Act VI of the Fork It Fund. This unique event, established to support groundbreaking research in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, brought together families, caregivers, and supporters, united by a common goal.

Over the course of the night, an impressive $1.2 million was raised to continue the essential work aimed at halting the progression of Alzheimer’s. The funds will support research initiatives aimed at early detection, prevention strategies, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by the disease. Founded in 2019 by Stacy Polley, along with Daryl and Irwin Simon, the Fork It Fund has successfully raised more than $5 million to date in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s research globally.

For Polley, the founder and a former partner at Goldman Sachs, the evening held profound significance. It was not just another fundraiser; it represented a deeply personal journey. The inspiration for her immersive musical initiative came from her father, a musician whose struggle with Alzheimer’s had transformed her passion for music and theater into a mission to offer help to others experiencing similar challenges. As Polley reflects, “My Acts began as something creative and joyful, but as my father's Alzheimer's progressed, they came to mean so much more to me.”

Act VI was particularly poignant, serving as a tribute to her late father who had passed away earlier that summer. The performance was presented not only as an entertaining showcase but as a heartfelt commemoration of the love for music he instilled in her. As she shared, this event provided her the opportunity to celebrate caregivers like her mother who selflessly support family members suffering from cognitive decline. Polley expressed her hopes, sharing, “My hope is that the joy we created together will help fund the science that changes the story for future generations.”

The event featured performances that stirred emotions and fostered connections among attendees, highlighting the personal stories behind Alzheimer’s and the shared experiences of families affected by this challenging illness. It was more than just music; it was a gathering to honor resilience, courage, and love amidst the adversities that Alzheimer’s brings into lives.

The mission of the Fork It Fund is clear and inspiring. It emphasizes the critical nature of prevention research and early detection in combating Alzheimer’s. The fund directly supports projects aimed at better understanding how the disease can be identified and managed earlier in its course, empowering people to take proactive steps for their brain health and decrease their risk of onset.

As the evening closed, attendees left with a renewed sense of hope and urgency, united by the belief that both scientific advancement and community support can pave the way for a future where Alzheimer’s prevention is a reality. The Fork It Fund encourages anyone interested to support their mission by visiting their website at alz.org/forkit, contributing to a cause that touches so many lives.

In the words of Polley, “Act VI was a chance to honor my father, celebrate caregivers, and bring people together around a disease that has touched so many families.” It was an impactful blend of personal stories, philanthropic spirit, and a commitment toward collective action. The music echoed throughout the hall, inviting everyone to dream of a future free from the burden of Alzheimer's disease.