On Saturday, July 31, Daryl and Irwin Simon hosted the second Alzheimer’s Association Fork It Alzheimer’s farm-to-fork event in Bridgehampton, N.Y. The spectacular event raised more than $760,000 to fund critical Alzheimer’s Association care, support and research programs and brought awareness to Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects more than 6 million Americans and more than 11 million caregivers.
To kick off the beautiful evening, the event’s more than 300 guests sipped on cocktails courtesy of SweetWater Brewing Company, Constellation Brands liquor, Taub Family Vineyards wine, Sagaponack Vodka, Marchesi Fumanelli wines, and VIDE Premium Canned Cocktails. Delicious hors d’oeuvres included miniature versions of the famed lobster rolls from Lunch Lobster Roll. The guests enjoyed strolling across the picturesque setting overlooking acres of vast farmland before making their way to a large Sperry tent topped with purple flags, the color of the Alzheimer’s movement.
Guests were seated for an elegant farm-to-fork, family-style dinner that utilized locally-sourced ingredients from community purveyors. Long, farm-style dinner tables with Mediterranean decor provided by Marders and upbeat music made for a fun, lively atmosphere. Following dinner, the party continued as guests danced, drank coffee cocktails courtesy of Hudson Roasters, and indulged in make-your-own s’mores over a large fire.
CNBC’s Frank Holland emceed the event and thanked the “powerhouse hosts” for “making an incredible difference in the battle against Alzheimer’s.” After the disease personally affected both of their families, Daryl and Irwin Simon made it their mission to help fight Alzheimer’s and dementia. In remarks, Daryl welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of coming together as a community to make a difference, as well as the inspiration she receives from the next generation of leaders that is “taking the reins and making the cause their own.” She further pledged that, “together, we will fight for a world without Alzheimer’s.” Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO Harry Johns shared updates on the latest in Alzheimer’s research from last week’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference and the evening’s Mission Moment speaker, Michelle Florin gave a moving speech on her late mother’s battle with younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
The evening, which coincided with Irwin Simon’s birthday, also included a lively fund-a-need moment where the Simon children, Nicolette, Lucas, Trevor and Garett rallied attendees to donate to the cause. Irwin spoke candidly about his personal experience with the disease and reiterated how fortunate they all were to be together to raise funds and awareness for such an important cause.
Stacy Bash-Polley, Nadia Inwood, Robert Mayer, and Ed Scher served as the host committee for the event, and Matthew Sandberg and Nicolette Simon as Next Generation chairs. Jefferies Bank served as the event’s Presenting Sponsor, with additional support from Double Diamond Farms, Moelis & Company, Stacy, Ethan, and Owen Polley, Michael Serruya & Andy DeFrancesco, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and Leesa and Leon Wagner.
Attendees included event founders and chairs Daryl and Irwin Simon, Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO Harry Johns, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Steve Madden, Ramy Brook, Corey Paige Bloomberg, Jill Heller, Frank Holland, Stew and Kim Leonard, Deanna Rockefeller, Michael Serruya, Nicole Sexton, Stacy Bash-Polley, and next generation chairs Matthew Sandberg and Nicolette Simon.
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.
