An stunning evening at The Plaza Hotel in New York celebrated the Imagine Benefit, a gala built on the enduring legacy of the Rita Hayworth Gala, continuing its deep commitment to advancing Alzheimer’s research and awareness.
The evening raised more than 1 Million USD and was one of the most successful charity Galas NYC has seen, it was perfect in every aspect!
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The power team Meghan Klopp and Aliza Ameer who is from alz.org curated an incredible evening with an A class team. And the entire New York A List came out to celebrate: Tennis Star and Philanthropist Lauren Day Roberts, Broadway Star and Philanthropist Pamela Morgan, Star Artist Hunt Slonem and Chef Legend Katherine Gage Boulud
For over four decades, the spirit of the Rita Hayworth Galas has united philanthropists, advocates, and leaders who share one mission—to end Alzheimer’s disease. This year, the Imagine Benefit, held on October 22, 2025, brought that vision to life once again beneath the chandeliers of The Plaza, honoring Peter Thomas Roth for his contributions to philanthropy and generously supported by Rolex.
The evening’s program reflected a lineage of compassion first inspired by the late actress, dancer, and producer Rita Hayworth, whose public diagnosis in 1980 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease transformed awareness of the illness. Her daughter, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, founded the Rita Hayworth Galas in Chicago and New York City to continue that mission. Since their inception, these events have raised more than $90 million for the Alzheimer’s Association’s research, care, and support programs, creating a global impact through hope and advocacy.
At The Plaza, guests gathered in the iconic ballroom surrounded by familiar faces of New York society and the philanthropic community. The atmosphere reflected not only glamour but also genuine purpose, with every conversation returning to the reason for the night—to uplift research and support families facing Alzheimer’s disease. The Imagine Benefit reaffirmed the city’s place as a hub of compassion-driven celebration.
Leadership for this year’s gala was led by Founder and General Chair Yasmin Aga Khan, whose dedication continues to shape the Alzheimer’s Association’s most storied annual event. Chairs Joseph M. Boitano and Brooke and Oliver Kennan brought their expertise and enthusiasm to the evening, while Vice Chairs Karim Barrada, Paula and Randy Harris, Jaqui Lividini, Sarah Tam Marin, Alexis Bryan Morgan, Katherine Schultz, Suzanne Silverstein, and Lily Johnson White further anchored the event’s organizational success.
The Benefit Committee brought together a diverse group of committed supporters including Chele Chiavacci Farley, Julie Fishman, Emily and Jon Gelb, David Hyde Pierce and Brian Hargrove, Sultan Hirji, Karyn Kornfeld and Steven Kobre, Louise and Stephen Kornfeld, Jessica Leonard, Robin and Roger Meltzer, Sharon Bush and Bob Murray, Zahra Rahman, Nicole Sexton, Martha Webster, and Jennifer and Lonnie Wollin. Their shared efforts ensured the evening’s seamless execution and elegant tone.
Each guest contributed to a tradition of generosity and purpose that extends well beyond a single night. The auction showcased exceptional items and experiences, drawing spirited participation while reminding attendees that every bid directly supports research and care for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
The event’s theme, Built on the Legacy of the Rita Hayworth Gala, was more than a tribute—it was a promise. The gathering paid homage to the heritage of love and advocacy that Rita Hayworth and Princess Yasmin Aga Khan began decades ago, inspiring future generations to sustain the cause with the same grace and determination.
For many in attendance, this year’s Imagine Benefit represented a poignant continuation of New York’s long-standing commitment to service. It served as both a glamorous affair and a heartfelt reminder of the human stories behind the mission. The influence of the Hayworth name endures not only in film history but also in the compassion it continues to inspire across the philanthropic world.
At the heart of this grand evening was the unspoken unity of its guests—luminaries from entertainment, business, and society—brought together by shared compassion. The Plaza’s grandeur reflected the timeless energy of New York’s philanthropic community, where elegance meets empathy in a singular celebration of purpose.
As the night concluded, the message of the Imagine Benefit remained clear: legacy can be both beautiful and transformative. Through the dedication of its leadership and the generosity of its supporters, the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission continues to shine, carrying forward the compassion and resolve of Rita Hayworth and Princess Yasmin Aga Khan into a new era of hope.
* His Highness and Excellency Global Peace Ambassador Dr. PRINCE MARIO-MAX SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE is a working Royal, award winning TV- and Event-Host, Bertelsmann Randomhouse author, Public Speaker and Philanthropist ♔ Prince Mario-Max is the son of Royal Dignitaries H.H. Dr.h.c. Prince Waldemar and H.H. Dr. Princess Antonia of Schaumburg-Lippe. His Grandmother is H.R.H. Princess Feodora of Denmark. Therefore they are the Royal Danish Nachod Line of The Princes of Schaumburg-Lippe, the Founding Family of Hamburg, Lübeck and Kiel. ♔ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/princemariomax/ Website http://www.schaumburglippe.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zuschaumburglippe X-Twitter https://twitter.com/schaumburglippe Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/prince-mario-max-schaumburg-lippe-1879978a
