On Saturday, July 12, more than 400 guests gathered in Bridgehampton for the fourth annual Fork It Alzheimer’s event hosted by Daryl and Irwin Simon. The sold-out summer soirée raised an impressive $800,000 to support the Fork It Fund in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.
“What started as a grassroots event has grown into something truly powerful, and it’s all because of this amazing community,” said Daryl. “Since we kicked off Fork It, we have raised more than $4 million to fund cutting-edge prevention research. Across the country, we continue to support brilliant scientists changing the landscape and making huge advancements in the field
Held under a glowing sunset tent, the evening brought attention not only to cutting-edge Alzheimer’s prevention research, but also to the science-backed daily habits that may help maintain brain health. Guests enjoyed cocktails by Montaukila, Breckenridge Distillery, Montauk Brewing Company, LinkUp Rum Punch, Palm Bay Wine, and more, alongside seasonal bites from East End favorites The Lobster Roll and Charles Pan-Fried Chicken. The space was beautifully styled with floral design by Audrey in the Garden and landscaping by Hampton Yards, creating a joyful setting for a cause close to home.
The emotional core of the night came from NYC Chapter Junior Board member Brian Peikin, who shared his family’s journey following his mother’s early-onset diagnosis at age 53. A portrait of her is tattooed on his arm, framed by two quotes — one from Winnie the Pooh: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Next Gen Committee member Trevor Simon energized the crowd during a spirited Fund-A-Need campaign, raising an additional $100,000 on the spot. DJ M.O.S. kept guests dancing late into the evening.
A video from Dr. Arthur Toga of USC’s Keck School of Medicine highlighted how the Fork It Fund’s recent support of the Global Alzheimer’s Association Interactive Network (GAAIN) is accelerating global data sharing and advancing Alzheimer’s research worldwide.
Presented by Rolex Watch USA, the evening was also supported by Jefferies, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Tilray Brands, Bank of America, Hampton Yards, Double Diamond Group, The Simon Family, Tasha and Peter Genatt, Pam and Stuart Rothenberg, Lauren Schor Geller and Martin Geller.
Host Committee members, Stacy Polley, Kristin and Aaron Marchese, and Teresa Molloy and Next Gen Committee members, Ethan Polley, Owen Polley, Matthew Sandberg, Garett Simon, Lucas Simon, Nicolette Simon, and Trevor Simon were joined by guests including Paula and Randy Harris, Beth Cogan and Michael Fascitelli, Arlene and Wayne Chaplin, Stacy Silverstein, Abi and Steven Hoffman, Susan Echt, Marjorie Harris, Nicholas Kanavos, Marc Taub and Vanessa Dahlman, Margie Loeb, Randi and Steven Ball, Joanne and Ed Bulgin, Isidore Mayrock.
“The momentum behind Fork It Alzheimer’s is truly inspiring. Events like this not only raise critical funds for prevention research, but they also bring together a community committed to changing the future of Alzheimer’s and dementia,” said Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and CEO, Alzheimer’s Association. “The generosity and passion are helping accelerate scientific breakthroughs and ensuring more families facing this disease have the support they need.”
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Photos by BNV Media Group, Smilebooth
