Star-studded gala! Rita Hayworth's daughter Princess Yasmin Aga Khan hosts Alzheimer’s Association Benefit to help fight the disease that took her mother and affects more than 6 million Americans
- The Alzheimer’s Association Imagine Benefit was held on November 15 at New York’s iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center
- Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, daughter of Rita Hayworth and the gala’s founder and general chair, hosted the charitable and stylish event
- The disease affects more than 6 million Americans and more than 11 million caregivers
- This year's gala raised more than $600,000 for the cause
- Dinner was accompanied with performances from some of New York City’s finest performing artists including Hamilton stars Krystal Joy Brown and Tamar Greene, Phantom of the Opera's Meghan Picerno, and more
The Alzheimer’s Association Imagine Benefit, built on the legacy of the Rita Hayworth Gala, was held on Monday, November 15 at New York’s iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center.
This year's gala raised more than $600,000 for the cause, while bringing awareness to the disease that affects more than 6 million Americans and more than 11 million caregivers.
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, daughter of Rita Hayworth and the gala’s founder and general chair, hosted the charitable and stylish event.
The Alzheimer’s Association Imagine Benefit, built on the legacy of the Rita Hayworth Gala, was held on Monday, November 15 at New York’s iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center
Rita Hayworth was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1981 at the age of 62
Rita Hayworth and Yasmin Khan circa 1984 in New York City
Rita Hayworth was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1981 at the age of 62.
Building on her legacy as a Hollywood performer, the two-part evening began with a cocktail hour, which was followed by a seated dinner.
The evening of song and storytelling was held in an intimate theatre space with stunning views of Columbus Circle, Central Park and New York City.
Seating at Jazz is arranged on an incline, allowing for a great view of the performances from all areas of the venue.
The entertainment kicked off with a video montage of Rita Hayworth’s most iconic film performances, followed by welcome remarks from her daughter Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, whose father is Prince Ali Khan.
Princess Yasmin thanked guests for their long and tireless support of the cause, saying 'the fight to end Alzheimer’s hasn’t stopped, and neither have we.'
Princess Yasmin thanked guests for their long and tireless support of the cause, saying 'the fight to end Alzheimer’s hasn’t stopped, and neither have we'
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, daughter of Rita Hayworth and the gala’s founder and general chair, hosted the charitable and stylish event. Pictured with CEO of the Alzheimer's Association Harry Johns
Rita Hayworth had daughter Rebecca Welles (left) with Orson Welles and Yasmin Khan with Prince Ali Khan
Dinner was accompanied with performances from some of New York City’s finest performing artists including Hamilton stars Krystal Joy Brown (currently Eliza Schuyler) and Tamar Greene (currently George Washington).
Phantom of the Opera's Meghan Picerno (currently Christine Daae) and Indie-soul artist/singer-songwriter Oliver Kennan, also performed.
As did classic string quartet including Caitlin Sullivan, Alex Fortes, Katie Hyun, and Kyle Armbrust, and former Juilliard Jazz students of Wynton Marsalis, all under the music direction and accompanied by Dan Micciche (currently Music Director and conductor for Wicked).
The entertainment kicked off with a video montage of Rita Hayworth’s most iconic film performances, followed by welcome remarks from her daughter Princess Yasmin Aga Khan
This year's gala raised more than $600,000 for the cause, while bringing awareness to the disease that affects more than 6 million Americans and more than 11 million caregivers
Dinner was accompanied with performances from some of New York City’s finest performing artists including Hamilton stars Krystal Joy Brown (currently Eliza Schuyler) and Tamar Greene (currently George Washington)
Indie-soul artist/singer-songwriter Oliver Kennan performed
Alexandra Soffer (pictured right), shared a heartfelt story about her connection to the disease through her late father, retired Army Colonel Tom Bowden who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, in 2015
Guests left with sizable gift bags curated, designed and donated by Josie Natori and included additional products from Peter Thomas Roth and Ubah Hassan. Picture: Paola Rosenshein, Naeem Khan, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, and Peter Thomas Roth
In addition to musical performances were heartfelt speeches.
Alexandra Soffer, a member of the Alzheimer’s Association New York City Chapter Board of Directors, shared a powerful story about her connection to the disease through her late father, retired Army Colonel Tom Bowden who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, in 2015.
Chair Karyn Kornfeld closed the evening with remarks on joining the event’s committee almost 25 years ago when her grandmother passed away with Alzheimer’s, calling the cause, 'a place to channel my anger and frustration into desperately finding a cure for this devastating disease.'
Philanthropist, author, advocate, and socialite Jean Shafiroff donned a dramatic Oscar de la Renta gown
The evening of song and storytelling was held in an intimate theatre space with stunning views of Columbus Circle, Central Park and New York City
Stylish New Yorkers, including fashion designer Naeem Khan, public relations professional Susan Magrino (in Chanel) and supermodel Paulina Porizkova were dressed to impress at the very glamorous affair.
Philanthropist, author, advocate, and socialite Jean Shafiroff donned a dramatic Oscar de la Renta floral print gown, accessorized with black opera gloves.
Guests left with sizable gift bags curated, designed and donated by Josie Natori and included additional products from Peter Thomas Roth and Ubah Hassan.
The event is generously underwritten by Rolex Watch USA.
Deanna Rockefeller and Gregory Smith served as chairs for the event
Seating at Jazz is arranged on an incline, allowing for a great view of the performances from all areas of the venue
Chair Karyn Kornfeld closed the evening with remarks on joining the event’s committee almost 25 years ago when her grandmother passed away with Alzheimer’s, calling the cause, 'a place to channel my anger and frustration into desperately finding a cure for this devastating disease'
Karyn Kornfeld, Steven Kobre, Deanna Rockefeller and Gregory Smith served as chairs for the event.
The Imagine Benefit Vice Chairs include Joseph Boitano, Brooke and Oliver Kennan, Naeem Khan, David Hyde Pierce and Brian Hargrove, Nicole Sexton, and Martha Webster.
The Imagine Benefit Host Committee includes Sharon Bush, Diandra Douglas, Emily and Jon Gelb, Louise and Stephen Kornfeld, Anne Hearst McInerney, Robin and Roger Meltzer, Peter Thomas Roth, and Jennifer and Lonnie Wollin.
