By Judy Carmack Bross
Linda and Bob Mendelson, Princess Yasmin Aga Kahn, Alexa and Sharon Markman.
Greetings and hugs from three generations of the Mendelson family welcomed Princess Yasmin Aga Khan as she entered the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Before receiving its “Woman with Purpose” award from Akris which hosted the kick-off event for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Rita Hayworth Gala May 10, the Chicago family heralded for voluntarism and philanthropy reminisced that its youngest member had first met the Princess when she was one week old and that Princess Yasmin has been a role model ever since.
Linda Mendelson, Sharon Mendelson Markman and Alexa Markman will receive the 2025 Rita Hayworth Gala Philanthropy Award at the event always held Mother’s Day weekend, perfect for the three generations of the closeknit Mendelsons who in turn pay tribute to Linda Mendelson’s mother Libby Weinstein and their firsthand knowledge of Alzheimer’s as they learned to deal with the tragedy of the disease.
On left, Linda Mendelson with daughter Sharon Markman, and on right, Alexa Markman with her grandmother Linda.
Sharon Markman told us: “My parents Linda and Bob Mendelson were real trailblazers and core members of the Alzheimer’s Association which hosts its 38th Gala this year. When they chaired the Gala in 1997 my daughter Alexa was just one week old and we got a room at the Fairmont Hotel where the event was held. I wasn’t going to miss it. Now Alexa is part of the Illinois Chapter’s junior board which had over 500 people at its Paint the Night Purple event. Multiple generations are impacted by what is both a disease not only of a family but also of society. We are all very emotional about this, hoping that Alexa will never have to deal with this disease.”
Princess Yasmin Aga Kahn with Bob and Linda Mendelson at a past Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala.
Sharon remembers vividly the very long goodbye the family experienced with her grandmother. The journey began when a flurry of Alzheimer’s articles were found hidden in Libby’s apartment after her husband passed away. The family realized that they were blind to the challenges he had been experiencing. Because of their connection, they are determined to make a difference for the generations to come and the millions of families who have stories similar to theirs.
Sharon and her husband Scott Markman chaired the 2013 Rita Hayworth Gala and their son Leland as well as her brother David Mendelson are very involved in supporting the organization—a true family commitment for the Mendelson and Markman families.
Seema Jain, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Theresa DeMaria, Cathleen Healy.
At the kickoff, Catanna Berger, Akris Vice President of Marketing for North America saluted Princess Yasmin for her tireless efforts for the Alzheimer’s Association, noting that she has helped raise over $90 million toward research, care, and support. The evening also celebrated the upcoming opening of the Akris boutique on Oak Street. Akris’s involvement with the Gala began through the Imagine Benefit in New York, and this event continued that meaningful partnership while shining a light on their Women with Purpose initiative. Following the remarks of the evening, guests were given the opportunity to preview items to appear in the Oak Street store.
Linda Mendelson and daughter Sharon Markman, and right, Linda and granddaughter Alexa Markman.
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan , who closely resembles her beautiful mother, established the Rita Hayworth Galas in 1984. She told the kickoff audience:
“My journey began in 1981 when my mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. At 25, I became her caregiver, facing isolation and uncertainty as her vibrant spirit faded. I chose to share her diagnosis publicly, breaking the silence and stigma around Alzheimer’s, ultimately connecting with Jerome Stone, the founder of the Alzheimer’s Association, where I found my life’s calling.
“For over four decades, I’ve witnessed remarkable progress. When I began this fight, Alzheimer’s was barely understood and research was in its infancy. Today, we stand on the cusp of breakthroughs—new treatments, increased funding for research, and a global movement that refuses to let this disease define our loved ones or our futures. The journey has been long, but I remain optimistic. We are closer than ever to a cure, and I am committed to continuing this work until no family has to endure the pain of Alzheimer’s.”
Ebrahim Valliani.
Rozmin Valliani, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Ebrahim Valliani.
Gala Co-Chair Ebrahim Valliani told the audience:
When my wife Rozmin and I were asked to chair we were so blown away. But it became even more meaningful when we realized that this year’s event falls on what would be my grandmother, Shirin G. Valliani’s 90th birthday. We unfortunately lost her to this disease many years ago, but that is why we first got involved and what continues to motivate us to make a difference in the face of this disease. On behalf of our family and the millions of others touched by this disease, we are committed to raising awareness and critical funds for the Alzheimer’s Association to help move closer to a cure.
“This year’s gala will feature a sophisticated evening of dining, dancing, and storytelling, aimed at raising awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association’s care, support and research programs. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction and enjoy live entertainment by Rush Street Rhythm.”
Catanna Berger, VP of Marketing & Events for Akris and members of the Akris team.
Members of the Akris team.
Last year’s Rita Hayworth Gala in Chicago raised nearly $900,000, directly supporting the Alzheimer’s Association’s initiatives in care, support, and research. Over the past four decades, the Gala, combined with its sister event in New York City, have been impactful fundraisers for the Association, generating over $90 million to drive progress toward its vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
In addition to raising critical funds, the events shed light on a condition that touches the lives of nearly 7 million Americans and over 11 million family members and caregivers nationwide. In Illinois alone, there are more than 250,600 people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia and more than 311,000 Illinoisans providing unpaid care to a loved one with the disease.
Rozmin Valliani.
Seema Jain, Theresa DeMaria, Cathleen Healy.
For more information, tickets, including exclusive rates for those under 40, and table purchases, or donations, visit alz.org/chicagogala.
