The Hamptons kickoff for this year's Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala took place Friday, July 31, 2009 at Anne Hearst McInerney and Jay McInerney's home in Water Mill, New York. The event was in anticipation of the Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala, themed “So Near & Yet So Far,” which will take place on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel.
The annual Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala is one of New York City's most prestigious and successful fundraising events. Over the past 24 years, the Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Galas in New York and Chicago have raised more than $50 million for Alzheimer's Association care, support and research programs. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan established the Gala in memory of her mother, Rita Hayworth, who lived with disease for many years before her death. In 2008, the New York Rita Hayworth Gala raised more than $2 million.
Muffie Potter Aston is the Rita Hayworth Award recipient, Lonnie Wollin, Esq. is the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and John, Margo, Andrea and John Jr. Catsimatidis are the recipients of the Family Philanthropy Award. Alexandra Lebenthal is the Gala co-chair, and Rolex Watch USA, Inc. is underwriting the Gala.
