From left to right: David Hyde Pierce, Yasmin Aga Khan, Naeem Khan and Madlena Kalinova. David Hyde Pierce is a theater actor and director. He starred opposite Bette Midler in the most recent Broadway production of “Hello Dolly.” Yasmin Aga Khan is Instrumental in expanding global awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and has teceived numerous awards for her philanthropic efforts. She continues her mother’s legacy by advocating for patients and caregivers. Naeem Khan founded his own fashion label, Naeem Khan, in 2003. His brand is known for intricate detailing, hand-embroidered gowns, and luxurious fabrics. His designs blend traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern silhouettes. Credit for all photos: Lieba Nesis
On Wednesday, October 23, 2024 the Alzheimer’s Association dedicated to the care, support and research of the disease held its annual “Imagine Benefit” to celebrate its 40th anniversary at the Plaza hotel with cocktails beginning at 6 PM. Underwritten by Rolex watches this black tie $2500 per person event funds one of the most pivotal organizations dedicated towards eradicating a disease that affects one in nine people over the age of 65. The evening raised over $1.2 million bringing the total raised by the organization since its inception in 1984 to $90 million.
Louise Kornfeld and Louise Brewer. Louise Kornfeld is a performer and Instructor at Magnet Theater, a renowned improv theater in NYC. She is a regular performer in shows like “Kornfeld & Andrews”, a two-person improv act with Megan Gray. Louise Brewer is renowned as an expert on social etiquette and protocol. She provides training on manners, social skills, and public behavior. She has also authored books including “The Ultimate Guide to Party Planning and Etiquette”.
The brainchild of Yasmin Aga Khan who was her mother Rita Hayworth’s caregiver during the entirety of her illness this evening was more star-studded and moving than any years prior. Previously held at Cipriani 42nd St. and the Jazz Club at Lincoln Center the Plaza venue was the most glamorous: befitting an evening that included Huma Abedin, Jason Wu, David Hyde Pierce, Joseph Altuzarra, Peter Som, Ubah Hassan and Didi and Oscar Schafer. Actor and comedian Wayne Brady hosted the evening after losing his grandmother to the disease in 2019 after a one year battle which left her telling Brady “I am losing myself.” Brady employed the plethora of “rich white folks in the room” to give generously. His request was heeded as a live auction raised a whopping $50,000 for a week villa vacation in Sardinia Italy. Honoree and flutist Eugenia Zukerman along with her care partner Dick Novick, spoke of the incredible challenges they have faced since Eugenia’s diagnosis seven years ago which left her unable to speak this evening.
Yasmin Aga Khan, Eugenia Zukerman, Dick Novick. Eugenia Zukerman is an internationally acclaimed soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist. She has performed with major orchestras globally, including the New York Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra. She has also recorded numerous albums spanning classical to contemporary music. Dick Novick is Professor of Microbiology at NYU School of Medicine. He has led a research laboratory that mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows.
New York based flutist Alex Sopp, joined on stage to pay homage to the couple’s momentous contributions to Alzheimer’s research along with their love of music. Rita Hayworth, the face of Alzheimer’s was one of the first celebrities in the 1980’s to publicly share her diagnosis of early onset of the disease leading to a national conversation around Alzheimer’s. When Yasmin moved in with her mother in 1981 she realized at that moment the trajectory of her life would change forever as she has traveled around the globe for the past 40 years in an effort to bring a cure as they are now testing over 1000 treatments. Grammy and Tony award winning artist Leslie Odom Jr. concluded the evening with a captivating performance of the “The Room Where it Happens” and “A Change is Gonna Come.” With evenings like these those songs might actually come to fruition and the reality of Alzheimer’s might be a thing of the past.
Yasmin Aga Khan, Eugenia Zukerman, Dick Novick. Eugenia Zukerman is an internationally acclaimed soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist. She has performed with major orchestras globally, including the New York Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra. She has also recorded numerous albums spanning classical to contemporary music. Dick Novick is Professor of Microbiology at NYU School of Medicine. He has led a research laboratory that mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows.Designer Joseph Altuzarra. Joseph Altuzarra is the Founderand Creative Director of Altuzarra, established in 2008. He is renowned for sophisticated, modern women’s ready-to-wear collections. His designs are characterized by a blend of French elegance and American ease.Wayne Brady, Megan Groh, Hannah and Jamie Jones. Wayne Brady is an actor, singer, comedian, and television personality. He gained prominence on “Whose Line Is It Anyway,?” showcasing his quick wit and versatility. He also aon a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on the show.Ubah Hassan is a fashion model. She was discovered in Canada after fleeing Somalia due to civil war. She signed with Click Model Management in New York City and walked the runway for designers like Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Oscar de la Renta. She has also been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Glamour.Christiaan Trunz, Macaulay Sullivan, Brad Black, Meghan Klopp. Christian Trunz joined Stephens Insurance in 2023 as a Property & Casualty Account Executive. In this role, he provides clients with guidance and strategic advice through all phases of the insurance, risk management, and M&A process. Macaulay Sullivan is an interior designer at McMillen Inc. She is an experienced production coordinator with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and fashion industry. Brad Black is the Founder and CEO of Encore Health Resources, a healthcare IT consulting firm. Meghan Klopp is the director of PR and marketing for the luxury children’s brand Bonpoint.Lynne Carey, Mikey Hoag, Dr. Joanna Pike. Lynne Carey is the Senior Vice President at The Alzheimer’s Association® She works towards changing the trajectory of Alzheimer’s and other dementia for future generations. Mikey Hoag is the Founder of “Part the Cloud” which is an initiative under the Alzheimer’s Association aimed at accelerating scientific progress in Alzheimer’s research. Since its inception in 2012, it has raised over $65 million. Dr. Joanna Pike is the President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. She joined the Alzheimer’s Association in 2016 and her prior roles include Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Program Officer.The Plaza Ballroom.
