Alzheimer’s Association Hosts Annual Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala

The 31st annual Alzheimer’s Association Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala underwritten by Rolex will take place Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the Hilton Chicago. This iconic Chicago social event was founded more than 30 years ago by Princess Yasmin Aga Khan to pay tribute to her mother, legendary Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth, who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 1987.

This year’s gala theme of “Pure Imagination” is inspired by another Hollywood legend, Gene Wilder, who died from complications of Alzheimer’s in 2016. The event honors his iconic role as Willy Wonka in the classic film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

The Gala is one the Association’s most successful fundraising events and supports the critical work of the Alzheimer’s Association to change the future of this disease through research, care and support. More than five million Americans, including more than half a million residents in Illinois are currently living with Alzheimer’s. In addition, an estimated 16 million family members serving as caregivers are currently affected by the devastating and fatal disease.

The gala committee is led by co-chairs Jon Harris, senior vice president and chief communications officer for Conagra Brands, and his wife, Allie Harris, broker associate for Coldwell Banker, who share a personal connection to the disease through both of their grandparents.

"As someone who has seen firsthand the devastating effects of this disease, it’s a great honor to lead the development of this year’s Rita Hayworth Gala, especially with the theme of ’Pure Imagination,’ which inspires us to believe that anything is possible – including a world without Alzheimer’s,” says Harris. “Because of the generosity of our guests, the money raised through this highly anticipated event will help us move towards changing the course of this disease for millions.”

Each year, the gala recognizes individuals who have a personal connection to Alzheimer’s and are working diligently to use their national platform to raise awareness and provide support for those impacted by the disease. This year’s recipients include:

• The “Pure Imagination Award” will honor the family of Gene Wilder, Karen Wilder and Jordan Walker-Pearlman.
  • Wilder, Gene’s wife of 25 years, was instrumental in the creation and launch of the “Pure Imagination Project,” a digital campaign created pro-bono by advertising firm MullenLowe with the Alzheimer’s Association and launched in November 2017. The campaign encourages all to lend their imagination to the fight and support efforts aimed at ending this devastating disease. As part of the campaign, Wilder contributed a poignant and moving essay to ABC News, chronicling her experience as a caregiver. The piece received an overwhelming response, shared thousands of times on social media.
  • Walker-Pearlman, nephew of Gene Wilder, is a film Director, Screenwriter, and Producer as well as political activist who currently resides in Los Angeles and New York. Since Wilder’s death, Walker-Pearlman has devoted much of his time to speaking around the country to increase awareness of the cause and to support research. He also works to raise funds that contribute to families who are caring for loved ones suffering from the disease.
• “The Caregiver Award” will honor Natalie Morales, and her family, Joseph Rhodes and Joe Rhodes. The award will be presented by NBC’s Al Roker.
  • Morales is the West Coast anchor of NBC’s “TODAY,” host of NBCU’s “Access” and co-host of “Access Live.” Morales now resides in Los Angeles after many years in New York as co-anchor on “TODAY.” Morales’ mother-in-law, Kay Rhodes, lived with Alzheimer’s for more than 15 years, and Morales is an Alzheimer’s Association Champion, committed to using her influential voice to shine a light on the disease, and honor her mother-in-law. In 2013 and 2015 she ran the New York City Marathon to raise awareness and funds for the cause. The Chicago Gala honors Morales and her family’s longtime efforts as advocates for the millions of caregivers living with their similar experience, through fundraising support and sharing their story on “TODAY” and other nationally recognized platforms. Morales has also stressed the importance of living a healthier lifestyle, which is reflected in her new cookbook, “At Home with Natalie,” released on April 17.

The 31st Annual Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala is made possible by those who volunteer their time and resources to the organization, including members of the Gala Steering Committee, the Young Champions Committee, underwriting sponsor Rolex, and presenting sponsors, Joan and Paul Rubschlager. Chicago Magazine is the event’s official media sponsor.

Nearly 800 of the city’s most notable tastemakers and influencers attend the annual black-tie event each year. This year, guests will walk into a world of “Pure Imagination” while enjoying a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, recognition and tribute awards program, live and silent auctions and live music courtesy of the Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra.

The Rita Hayworth Galas take place in Chicago and New York and have collectively raised more than $74 million in support of the Alzheimer’s Association.

All funds raised through the Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala support the Alzheimer's Association’s care, support and research, programs. For tickets and information about the Alzheimer’s Association Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala, call the Alzheimer's Association at 312.335.5808 or visit alz.org/galas/chicago.

“Pure Imagination”

The Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala

May 12, 2018

Hilton Chicago – 720 S. Michigan Avenue (Downtown Chicago)

Cocktail Reception Toasts at 6:30 p.m.

Dinner & Program 8 p.m.

Entertainment & Dancing to Follow

$750 individual and up

Attire: Formal, Black Tie Optional

https://www.alz.org/galas/chicago

Facebook.com/alzgalas