CARINGKIND RAISES $1.5 MILLION AT 29TH ANNUAL FORGET-ME-NOT GALA TO SUPPORT ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA CARE

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NEW YORK, June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CaringKind, a leading expert in Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving, held their 29th Annual Forget-Me-Not Gala on Monday, June 9th, 2025, at Cipriani 42nd Street. The gala was filled with more than 600 guests and raised $1.5 million to support individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s and related dementias.  

Guests were welcomed into the evening through a powerful portrait installation by renowned photographer Bell Soto, featuring CaringKind clients and care partners. Each portrait—paired with a recorded video narrative—offered an intimate window into the caregiving experience. First unveiled at the gala, the installation will be permanently housed at the CaringKind offices as a tribute to the lives and stories at the heart of the organization’s mission.

Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor, activist, and advocate David Hyde Pierce, returned as Master of Ceremonies, bringing warmth, humor, and personal insight to the evening’s program. At every table, glowing bags contained paper seed hearts with handwritten messages from participants in CaringKind’s Early-Stage Programs—words like empowered, connected, and hopeful—underscoring the emotional power of early intervention and peer support.

Honoring Changemakers in Alzheimer’s Care and Advocacy

CaringKind proudly honored three exceptional individuals whose leadership and innovation are shaping the future of dementia care:

  • Dr. Susan Beane, Executive Medical Director at Healthfirst, received the Connect2Impact Award for her pioneering efforts to make whole-person, compassionate care accessible to all—including those historically underserved.
  • Peter Frishauf, founder of Medscape, was presented with the Connect2Hope Award in recognition of his decades-long commitment to health innovation, ethical care, and his steadfast support of CaringKind’s mission.
  • Fern Mallis, creator of New York Fashion Week and an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness, was presented with the Connect2Vision & Culture Award and celebrated for her leadership, authenticity, and storytelling—reminding us that impact is most powerful when it’s personal. Iconic fashion designer and social activist, Kenneth Cole presented her award.

A Night of Emotion, Advocacy, and Community

A powerful moment in the evening came with the appearance of Emma Heming Willis and Helen Christoni, co-founders of Make Time Wellness. Their remarks on caregiving, brain health, and women’s emotional resilience brought vulnerability and urgency to the spotlight—reinforcing the importance of early action and community support.

The evening also celebrated Alan Patricof, a cornerstone of the CaringKind community and tireless advocate for Alzheimer’s care. In a heartfelt tribute, his granddaughters Nina and Lily Patricof spoke on his legacy and thanked him for fundraising in honor of their grandmother —nearly $2 million raised to date, and decades of continued dedication to advancing support for caregivers and those living with dementia.

The program culminated in the now-signature Red Hearts Moment, as guests pinned and illuminated hundreds of red heart pins in honor of those impacted by dementia. The ballroom glowed with love, remembrance, and unity – an embodiment of CaringKind’s mission in motion.

The celebration closed with joyful movement as the Arthur Murray Dance Club led guests onto the dance floor, proving that joy and connection have a powerful place in the Alzheimer’s journey.

With Gratitude to Our Sponsors

This evening of purpose and celebration would not have been possible without the steadfast support of CaringKind’s generous sponsors. Their partnership enables the organization to continue providing free, life-changing programs and services to individuals and families affected by dementia nationwide.

The Legacy Sponsors included Elaine Thomas and Joseph Healey. The Innovator Sponsors featured Eisai, Lilly, Linda LaGorga, Tim Walsh and Jeff Walsh and Kathy Ferguson and Mark Zurack. The VIP Cocktail Sponsor was CAIPA Foundation. The Impact Sponsors of the evening were Capital V, Sandra Baron and Gregory Diskant, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Steven Boxer and Michelle Walker, The Boxer Family Foundation, William and Jane Brachfield, The Bristal Assisted Living, Jeffrey Jones, Anne Kenny, MD, Sharon Kilmer, Renewal Memory Partners, Seniorverse, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, and The Watermark at Brookyln Heights. The Premier Sponsors included The 80th Street Residence, ACADIA, Attending Home Care, Betty Brennan, Charles River Associates, Coterie Senior Living, Jane Dystel, Duet Care at Home, Healthfirst, Pam and Jon Henes, KiwiTech, KOHLER, LCB Senior Living, LifeWorx, Todd Matlovsky, Alan and Barbara Patricof, Barbara Marcus and Michael Pollack and Family, The Shami Family, Nimesh and Sandhya Udeshi, Thomas and Bonnie Uger, United Federation of Teachers, and Valerie and Tom Wolzien. The Purist served as the media sponsor for the evening. 

CaringKind’s mission is to create, deliver, and promote comprehensive and compassionate care and support services for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementia, and to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research. To achieve their mission, CaringKind offers programs for individuals with dementia, their families, and professional caregivers. The non-profit is committed to generating public awareness, collaborating with research centers, and informing public policy through advocacy. 

For additional information, please visit www.caringkindnyc.org.

About CaringKind
CaringKind is your leading expert on Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving working directly with community partners to develop the information, tools, and training to support individuals and families affected by dementia. CaringKind is dedicated to being your Trusted Partner in the journey through Alzheimer’s and related dementia care, providing guidance, support, and comprehensive services to every person, at every stage of the disease. From the moment of diagnosis to end-of-life care, their mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or the challenges they face, receive the trusted support they need, ensuring no one walks this path alone.

Media Contact
Courtney Dawson, CDawson@cknyc.org

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SOURCE CaringKind