By MURAD NENSEY and MALIK MERCHANT

The Alzheimer’s Association held a special 40th-anniversary celebration of its Imagine Benefit, built on the legacy of the Rita Hayworth Gala, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Princess Yasmin, the organization’s Founder and General Chair, was present at the event.

For over 40 years, Princess Yasmin has been a driving force in the fight against Alzheimer’s. As the younger sister of Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, and Prince Amyn Mohamed, she has tirelessly raised funds, reduced stigma, and promoted research. Her dedication has significantly impacted the fight against Alzheimer’s, and her inspiring legacy continues to motivate others to join the cause. Murad Nensey, the coauthor of this post, was among more than 300 guests who attended the Imagine Benefit event on October 23 in New York.

Founded by Princess Yasmin in honour of her mother, Rita Hayworth, who tragically succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease, the first Rita Hayworth Gala was held in New York in 1984. Since then, the event has expanded to Chicago in 1987 and has raised over $87 million. These funds have been instrumental in supporting critical Alzheimer’s Association care, support, and research programs, demonstrating the significant impact of fundraising efforts.

Princess Yasmin’s phenomenal efforts in the fight against Alzheimer’s have not gone unnoticed. Her dedication was recognized by the Late American President Ronald Reagan, and more recently, in 2022, the French Government decorated the Princess with France’s Knight of the Legion of Honor at a ceremony held in New York. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan has received numerous other awards and recognition for her unwavering commitment to Alzheimer’s advocacy, including the prestigious Alzheimer’s Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Her dedication to the cause can inspire us to join her cause to find a cure for the disease.

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IMAGINE BENEFIT GALA, OCTOBER 23, 2024

As a prelude to the Imagine Gala, on September 18, 2024, Princess Yasmin hosted 100 guests at the Carolina Hererra Flagship Store on Madison Avenue, New York. The evening raised support and awareness of the work of the Alzheimer’s Association and several million Americans who are afflicted with the disease.

Five weeks later, over 300 supporters heard stories of hope at the Imagine Benefit Gala. The 40th anniversary Gala featured music and dancing and raised $1. 2 million to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission to accelerate global research, drive risk reduction and early detection, and maximize quality care and support.

The Imagine event also honoured Eugenia Zukerman and Richard (Dick) Novik with the 2024 Rita Hayworth Award for their remarkable contributions to Alzheimer’s awareness and research. The Award recipients expressed their hope about Alzheimer’s as follows:

“The Alzheimer’s Association will lead us to the cure. They are currently overseeing over one thousand research projects. In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, they have been able to increase funding for dementia research from less than five hundred million annually in 2011 to nearly four billion annually today! It is our hope that together, we will find the cure!” 

SUPPORT ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION WITH YOUR CONTRIBUTION

Princess Yasmin’s work with the Alzheimer’s Association over the past 40 years has been transformative. As a board member, chairperson, and spokesperson, she has raised funds, reduced stigma, and promoted research. Her dedication has significantly advanced the fight against Alzheimer’s, and her legacy inspires others to join the cause. Barakah is proud to have contributed to raising over $10,000.00 through a major fundraising initiative in 2022 (see Sadruddin Noorani’s story, a Princess with a Mission).

Now, more than ever, the Alzheimer’s Association urgently needs your support in this crucial fight. Again, we invite you to support the organization’s work by donating to its OFFICIAL DONATION PAGE. Donations can be made from anywhere in the world — there is a drop-down list of countries — and donors can specify if the donation is a tribute gift to an individual they would like to honour or memorialize (for example, Prince Yasmin’s mother, Ms. Rita Hayworth).

Coauthor Murad Nensey, a vital part of the Alzheimer’s Association team for the past year, has had personal encounters with individuals afflicted with Alzheimer’s. His experiences have deeply influenced his understanding of the disease. He attended the Chicago Gala in May and the recent Imagine Benefit in New York and met with Princess Yasmin on both occasions (see photo at top).

In the following short video, Murad shares his reflections on the disease and explains the organization’s critical work.

Murad would like readers to note that the next Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala will take place in May 2025 in Chicago. We will inform our readers how to attend it through this page. However, your official donation to the organization can begin now. Please click DONATE.

Date posted: October 30, 2024.

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About coauthor Murad Nensey: Born in Mumbai, India, Murad Nensey has achieved remarkable academic and professional success. After completing an accounting and business degree in India, Murad ventured to the United States to pursue higher education. He attended the prestigious School of Medical Management and later graduated from Columbia University, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in education.

Currently, Murad is making a significant impact in the oil and gas industry, applying the skills and knowledge gained from previous experiences to drive success in this field.

But Murad’s passion for giving back is equally important. His awareness of the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission led him to join the Association and become an integral part of the team for the past year. Through Murad’s dedication and commitment, Murad is helping to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s while also contributing to the growth of the oil and gas industry.

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