MICHELE HERBERT CHAIRS RITA HAYWORTH

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Society Scene Staple Michele Herbert Chairs Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala In
New York City
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Princess Yasmin Aga Khan

Last year the Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala in New York drew a large black-tie crowd that included celebrities such as Harvey Keitel, Dan Aykroyd, Brooke Shields, Regis Philbin and Art Garfunkel, who enjoyed a rare performance by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd. It returns this year as one of the philanthropic community’s anticipated events. Scientists have known about Alzheimer’s disease for over 100 years, yet a cure still eludes researchers. The good news is that significant advancements exist in the treatment and support of patients and their families, thanks to increased public awareness and private funding for new research. The largest private funder of research for the disease and its care is the Alzheimer’s Association, and their annual Rita Hayworth Gala uses style and panache to support this worthy cause. As the current Gala Chair, quintessential Palm Beach and New York Socialite Michele Herbert promises to make sure that this year’s Gala at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel lives up to its formidable reputation. Michele’s sense of style is matched only by the generosity of her heart. She is well-known in philanthropy circles, and recently went so far as to host the NYU Tisch School of the Arts Fall Kick-Off at her New York City home. When Michele found out that one in four women will suffer from early onset Alzheimer’s, she knew she needed to get involved and lend her special talents to the cause. While a lot of people know how to throw glitzy A-list parties, Michele takes it up a notch…or two. When her husband Larry Herbert, owner and founder of the Pantone color system, turned 80 last year, she planned an elaborate weekend-long event in Palm Beach that included dancers from Dancing with the Stars and Patti Labelle—no wonder people are still talking about it! The theme this year is Experience the Mystery, and will explore the mystical opulence and allure of Eastern culture. As an expert of color and design, Michele is sure to take this theme to its full potential for creativity. Of course Gala founder and daughter of Rita Hayworth, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, is sure to also add her special touch. As President of Alzheimer Disease International, the Princess is deeply devoted to the cause, inspired by her mother’s battle with the disease. She also lends her time as a National Council Member of the Salk Institute and as a spokesperson for the Boston University School of Medicine. The Gala will give the Rita Hayworth Award to acclaimed fashion designer Naeem Khan, and his wife, jewelry designer Ranjana Khan. Broadway producer G. Marlyne Sexton will be honored with the Philanthropy Award. Rolex Watch USA® generously decided to underwrite the event. The Alzheimer's Association was formed in 1980 by Jerome H. Stone. With more than 75 local chapters, the Association reaches millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s across the globe. As the largest nonprofit private funder of research for Alzheimer’s and advancement in care, the Association has sponsored great improvements in the lives of innumerable patients. The majority of these patients are women, and often their caregivers are female relatives. The Association and the Gala aim to address not only the disease, but these unsung heroes. To learn more about their upcoming Gala, visit the event website here.

Photos By: RD/Dodson/Dziekan/Retna