The third annual “Fork It Alzheimer's” event raised over $750,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association’s research programs, care, support, and education efforts. The sold-out benefit brings critical awareness to Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects more than 6 million Americans, including 410,000 in the state of New York. The event was hosted by Daryl and Irwin Simon at their Bridgehampton family farm.
The evening kicked off with a sunset cocktail hour under the tent courtesy of Montaukila, Sweetwater Brewery, Montauk Brewing Company, Breckenridge Distillery, Marchesi Fumanelli wine, Treo, LinkUp Rum Punch, and Hampton Water. Hors d’oeuvres were provided by The Lobster Roll and Great Performances before attendees were treated to a wide array of summer food stations. Local ingredients from community purveyors made up the main courses, while decor provided by DeJuan Stroud set the scene for a lively atmosphere. Music by Cafe Wha’s UNLTD! was the perfect soundtrack to the evening of dancing and gathering to celebrate a meaningful cause.
Daryl and Irwin Simon’s involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association began after their family was personally affected by the disease.
“My family has personally experienced the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease as we cared for both my and Irwin’s mothers following their diagnoses,” said Daryl Simon. “So many people in our community are impacted by this terrible disease. We started Fork It Alzheimer’s to bring everyone together to raise funds to help end Alzheimer’s and all dementia.”
“We are grateful to Daryl and Irwin Simon for bringing the community together in such a meaningful way around this cause,” said Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and CEO, Alzheimer’s Association. “This is a pivotal time in Alzheimer’s and dementia research, and the impact of the disease only continues to grow. Funds raised at Fork It Alzheimer's are critical to helping us continue to advance research while also providing care and support resources to millions of families affected by the disease.”
Host Committee Members, Stacy Polley, Linda Florin, Kristin and Aaron Marchese, and Suzanne Miller were joined by over 400 attendees including the evening’s emcee, CNBC Anchor, Sara Eisen, along with Steve Madden, Allison and Howard Lutnick, John and Margo Catsimatidis, Stuart and Pam Rothenberg, Marc Leder, Ramy Brook Sharp, and Mark Taub. Ethan Polley, Owen Polley, Matthew Sandberg, Nicolette Simon, Garett Simon, Trevor Simon, and Lucas Simon spearheaded the Next Gen Committee, a group of young professionals committed to advancing the work of the organization.
Wyatt and Michelle Florin, the evening’s Mission Moment speakers, shared their personal story through spoken word and dance to highlight the impact of the disease on their family, underlining the event’s purpose. The Simon’s son, Trevor Simon, hosted a Fund-A-Need live campaign, successfully rallying additional support for the cause through comedy and his personal connection.
The event’s Presenting Sponsor, Jefferies, was joined by additional sponsors, including Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Tilray Brands, Hampton Yards, Double Diamond Acres, Bank of America, Michael Serruya, Pam and Stuart Rothenberg, Stacy Polley, Marc Leder, and Lauren and Marty Geller.
Earlier in the day, Beekman 1802 hosted a Goat Yoga event to help kick off the festivities and raise additional funds for the cause.
Funds raised through Fork It Alzheimer’s will directly support the Alzheimer's Association’s research program and the local efforts of the New York City and Long Island Chapters of the Association. In addition to the thousands of New Yorkers living with Alzheimer’s, 546,000 in the state provide unpaid care to someone living with the disease.
