Forty Years of Hope: Inside the Alzheimer’s Association’s Imagine Benefit and Its Legacy of Impact

As the fall gala season is fully ablaze in NYC, the Plaza Hotel in New York City glowed as patrons, advocates, and stars gathered for a cause that has touched millions of lives: the Alzheimer’s Association Imagine Benefit. Marking its 40th anniversary, this iconic event has grown far beyond its origins, raising over $1.2 million this year alone and approaching a lifetime fundraising total of nearly $90 million to advance Alzheimer’s research, care, and advocacy.

This year’s milestone event—held on October 23—was hosted by Emmy Award-winning entertainer Wayne Brady, who brought heartfelt enthusiasm to the cause. “To end Alzheimer’s disease, that’s why we’re here tonight,” Brady declared, reflecting on his own personal connection to the cause through his grandmother, who he affectionately calls “Mom.” Brady’s opening remarks set a reflective yet hopeful tone, resonating with the hundreds of attendees who shared similar stories of loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s.

The evening was one of music, inspiration, and resilience. Grammy and Tony Award-winning artist Leslie Odom Jr. took to the stage with a rousing performance of The Room Where It Happens and A Change Is Gonna Come, while singer-songwriter Chris Mann performed the poignant My Funny Valentine and Remember Me, a song he wrote from the perspective of someone living with Alzheimer’s. These musical moments resonated deeply with the audience, bridging the gap between art and advocacy in a way that only the Imagine Benefit can.

Founded by Princess Yasmin Aga Khan in 1984 to honor her mother, Hollywood icon Rita Hayworth, the gala has become a cornerstone in Alzheimer’s fundraising and advocacy. “It is surreal to be celebrating 40 years of this benefit, a journey that began with my mother’s diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease,” said Princess Yasmin. “Tonight, we imagine a world free of this disease. Because of the incredible work of the Alzheimer’s Association, that dream is closer to reality.”

This year’s event honored Eugenia Zukerman, the celebrated flutist and Alzheimer’s advocate, alongside her husband, Richard Novik. Zukerman, diagnosed seven years ago, has continued to champion the cause with resilience and grace, and the evening featured a special performance of Syrinx by Claude Debussy to honor her legacy. The crowd was visibly moved by this homage, led by flutist Alex Sopp, a touching reminder of how art and advocacy intertwine.

Throughout the evening, familiar faces lent their support, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the cause. Attendees included renowned actor David Hyde Pierce, fashion designers Joseph Altuzarra and Jason Wu, model Ubah Hassan, and journalist Amara Walker, among others. The diversity and dedication of the attendees illustrated the deep, cross-industry commitment to ending Alzheimer’s.

As the evening progressed, guests enjoyed lively entertainment from Café Wha? UNLIMTD Band, ensuring the night was filled with hope, unity, and a sense of celebration for the strides made in Alzheimer’s research and care. The event’s success was driven by the collaborative efforts of a passionate leadership team, including event chairs Joseph Boitano and Brooke and Oliver Kennan. Special recognition was also given to next-generation vice chairs Randy and Paula Harris, Ashley and Marc Koch, who emphasized the importance of engaging younger generations in the fight.

The funds raised during the Imagine Benefit will bolster the Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts to accelerate research, promote risk reduction, and enhance care services nationwide. These contributions also support local initiatives, including programs in New York City, ensuring that the event’s impact extends across communities.

Princess Yasmin emphasized the power of collective action by reflecting on the evening’s significance. “Together, we can imagine a future without Alzheimer’s,” she shared with hope and gratitude. And on this night, in the heart of New York City, the 40th anniversary of the Imagine Benefit affirmed that a world free from Alzheimer’s might not just be a dream but a very real possibility.

For those inspired to support this cause, donations can be made by visiting alz.org