Time is of the Essence

CHICAGO, IL– The 29th Annual Alzheimer’s Association Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala returns this year on Mother’s Day eve, May 7th. This annual spring black tie event attracts more than 800 guests and includes a cocktail reception with the high-energy CoverGirls violin show, three-course dinner, program, auctions and live music by Orchestra 33. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Rita Hayworth’s daughter, will serve once again as general chair of the event. The Chicago gala committee is led by co-chairs June D. Barnard and Maggie Murzanski. Chicago’s own Jon Harris, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at ConAgra Foods will emcee the event.

This year, the Alzheimer's Association will present the Rita Hayworth Award to Dr. Lisa Genova, New York Times Bestselling Author of Still Alice for her contribution to Alzheimer’s disease awareness through her book and well as the feature film that Still Alice inspired last year. In addition, the Alzheimer's Association will present awards to two notable honorees, including:
2016 Alzheimer's Association Family Philanthropy Award will honor longtime supporters, the Cantore family. Joseph Cantore III will accept the award on behalf of his family.
The Alzheimer’s Association Corporate Award will be presented to Silverado Care and their CEO Loren Shook.

The theme “Time Is Of The Essence” pays tribute to the more than 210,000 residents from Illinois and the 5 million Americans who are living with the disease, and the future generations that will be affected unless treatment, prevention and ultimately a cure is found. . According to co-chair June D. Barnard, “Funds raised at the Rita Hayworth Gala to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association provide hope for a future treatments and eventually a cure, and a lifeline for families who need support and guidance as they face this disease today. a. For people living with Alzheimer’s diseases and their family members, time is truly of essence. .“

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, daughter of the legendary film star, established the Rita Hayworth Galas to pay tribute to her mother, Rita Hayworth, who lived with Alzheimer’s for many years before succumbing to the disease in 1987. Under Princess Yasmin Aga Khan's leadership, over $68 million has been raised through the Chicago, Palm Beach and New York Rita Hayworth Galas. These funds, combined with other donations, have helped the Alzheimer's Association work toward our vision of a world without Alzheimer's disease.

The 29th Annual Rita Hayworth Gala would not be possible without support from presenting sponsor Joan and Paul Rubschlager. “We are pleased that there IS an Alzheimer’s Association dedicated to directing critical Alzheimer’s research and providing care and support to families, thus hastening the possibility of a cure, treatment, and prevention, while ensuring resources for those impacted are available in our local communities,” said Joan and Paul Rubschlager. Additional generous sponsors include MacLean-Fogg, the Stone family, the Driskill Foundation and Silverado.

“Time Is Of The Essence”
May 7th, 2016
Hilton Chicago – 720 S. Michigan Avenue (Downtown Chicago)
Cocktail Reception Toasts at 6:30 p.m.
Dinner & Program 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
$750 individual and up
Attire: Formal, Black Tie Optional
www.alz.org/galas/Chicago
Facebook.com/alzgalas