Alex/Simon Attend AZL-The Rita Hayworth Gala

Article and picture from Hamptons.com.

The Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala Kicks Off In East Hampton
By Douglas Harrington

East Hampton - A stunning late July summer afternoon brought out an eclectic mix of celebrities from the world of fashion, art, finance and media for a cocktail party at the equally stunning home of Allen and Deborah Grubman. The event was a summer kick-off celebration for the annual Rita Hayworth Alzheimer's Association Gala that will take place in Manhattan in October.

An iconic star of Hollywood's Golden Age, Rita Hayworth was afflicted with the disease prematurely in her 50s, although early on it was misdiagnosed as alcoholism and then described as senile dementia. Cared for in the waning years of her life by her daughter the Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, the Princess has been a tireless supporter of the Alzheimer's Association work and this year will mark her 27th year as host of the gala in her mother's name to be held on October 26 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.

Among the many notables in attendance were Chele Upton Chiavacci Gala Co-Chair, as well as long time supporter Alexandra Lebenthal and her sister Claudia Lebenthal, Lizzie Grubman, Jay McInerney and Anne Hearst McInerney, Hunt Slonem, Rachel Heller, Nancy Corzine, Cornelia Sharpe Bregman, Fern Mallis, Helena Inzerillo, Dick and Donna Soloway, Robert Zimmerman, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Simon van Kempen and Alex McCord. This year's Gala was chaired by Michele Herbert.

Princess Yasmin's passion for this cause is infectious and she still remains emotional regarding the devastating effect it had on her mother who died in 1987, "The average age is 65, but my mother started in her 50s, so she had the early onset of Alzheimer's, but we didn't even have the name for it in those days. I have personally met people in their 40s with Alzheimer's. It is worldwide and it is a dreadful disease, but particularly for the caregiver because they have such tormenting and incredibly difficult responsibilities."

Although there is no cure, with new medications and the ability of new techniques in brain scans for early detection the treatment of the disease has improved dramatically since Hayworth was first officially diagnosed in 1981. Particularly encouraging is the discovery of an Alzheimer's related protein recently at MIT, which may open new pathways to an eventual cure.

This year's gala Philanthropy Award honoree is G. Marlyne Sexton who like so many have had Alzheimer's personally touch her life, "I have an aunt in Dallas who has suffered with the disease since she was 60. She is in her very late 70s now, so it has been a long time. I have another friend whose father has it. It touches everybody." Her substantial gifts to the association have been designated strictly for research in an effort to find a cure for a disease that proliferates exponentially as a result of the population's extended life expectancy.

Also being honored this year are fashion designers Naeem and Ranjana Khan (no relation to Princess Yasmin) with the Rita Hayworth Award for their long time work in support of the Alzheimer's Association. Naeem noted, "Yasmin is a very dear friend of ours, she is almost like my sister. We have been involved with the Alzheimer's Association for the last nine years. It is a cause that is very close to us because we had a very dear friend, our neighbor in Connecticut, who suffered with the disease for a very long time, a very, very long time. It really touched our hearts and we wanted to be part of the efforts to see that comes to an end."

Many other guests at the event spoke of how Alzheimer's has in some way or another touched their lives, including van Kempen and McCord who spoke of her father's battle with the disease and her loss of him when she was just 11 years old. It will indeed be only the rare among us that will not eventually have to confront the devastating effects of this disease, either personally or as a caregiver to a loved one.

Gracious and hospitable the Grubman's generously gave over their home to give the Manhattan event in October a proper Hamptons summer kick-off. Undoubtedly all in attendance will also be at the Waldorf-Astoria gala, as the passion for this cause was palpable among every attendee.

Once again Hamptons altruism shone at its best as 15 year Alzheimer's Association Steering Committee member Deborah Grubman noted in giving over their home for the kick-off party, "It was truly our pleasure, it is a very worthwhile cause. I am hoping we do find a cure so we can move on to another worthwhile health charity soon."

Yes, as always, need finds hope and support in the Hamptons, as was the case at this year's Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala Hamptons Kick-off.

ALZ.ORG