The Rita Hayworth Gala | Classic Chicago Magazine

By Judy Carmack Bross

Sharon Markman, Linda Mendelson and Alexa Markman

“Standing on stage with my beautiful 85-year old mother who managed the daily care of her mother, my daughter whom I hope never will know how devastating Alzheimer’s is on a family, community and society made me incredibly proud to support the association’s commitment to research and support. The Gala was filled with poignant moments of hope with the dream that significant diagnosis and treatment breakthroughs are closer than we think. The evening’s beauty and uplifting spirit allowed us to celebrate the all the Association’s victories.”—Sharon Markman, one of three generations honored at the Rita Hayworth Gala.

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan

The Alzheimer’s Association Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala welcomed more than 400 guests to The Old Post Office recently, raising nearly $900,000 in support of the organization’s care, support, and research programs. The evening was hosted by Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, daughter of the iconic Rita Hayworth, and co-chaired by Rozmin and Ebrahim Valliani. Chicago Bulls’ Assistant Coach John Bryant emceed the evening’s festivities and the Mendelson and Markman families were the evening’s honorees, recognizing their three-generational commitment of care and support.

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan with Chicago Bulls’ Assistant Coach John Bryant, the evening’s MC

Alzheimer’s Association Steering Committee

This year’s gala centered around the theme, Hope in Bloom, honoring the enduring legacy of Rita Hayworth and celebrating the Alzheimer’s Association’s extraordinary progress and ongoing commitment to a world without the disease and all other dementia.

Guests enjoyed a full program featuring a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, and both live and silent auctions. Top silent auction items included a Taylor Swift signed guitar, custom ALZ Nike sneakers, sports tickets and memorabilia, and curated art, dining, and travel experiences.

The formal program wrapped with a dazzling tribute to Rita Hayworth’s fame as a dancer who partnered Fred Astaire in three movies. Jessica and Stanislav of Windy City Wedding Dance performed, then encouraged guests to join them on the dance floor.

Kumi Hileman, Sam McGuire, Phoebe Nitekman, and Amy Layfer

Charlie Huth, Brad Huth, Corey Fitzpatrick Huth and Lindsey McShea

“After over 40 years, I am incredibly proud of the hope and progress we’ve achieved,” Princess Yasmin said. “We now have FDA-approved drugs on the market and more in development. The journey has been long, but alongside the Alzheimer’s Association, I remain hopeful for the future and to finding a cure.

”Each year, the Alzheimer’s Association honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to its mission. This year, Linda Mendelson, Sharon Mendelson Markman, and Alexa Markman received the Philanthropy Award in recognition of the three generations of steadfast dedication to the Alzheimer’s Association mission in honor of Linda’s mother, Libby Weinstein, through her Alzheimer’s journey.”

David & Blythe Mendelson (Chicago), Elissa Isaacs (Chicago).

Matt Kaplan, Karen Kaplan, Craig Stern and Lori Stern

The Mendelson family shared personal reflections on the disease’s impact and the vital role the Association has played in their lives.

The iconic American actress, dancer, and producer Rita Hayworth was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s in 1980. In her mother’s honor, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan launched the Rita Hayworth Galas — an initiative that has grown over the past four decades into a series of prestigious events across the country. To date, the Galas have raised more than $90 million to advance the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission.

Nikki Coon, David Stern, Monica Dirk and Ryan Coon

Karen Muchin, Margie Muchin and Janet Blum

“Year after year, we come together — not just to raise money, but to raise awareness and hope,” Gala co-chair, Ebrahim Valliani said. “We do this in memory of those we’ve lost, in support of those still battling, and in honor of those who care for them every single day.

“The impact of Alzheimer’s extends far beyond this ballroom — it touches millions of lives each day. Today, more than seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. In Illinois alone, over

250,000 people aged 65 and older are affected. Nationwide, more than 11 million friends and family members serve as caregivers — including over 312,000 in Illinois providing unpaid care to loved ones.”