By: Rodney Sparrow

Hollywood legend Rita Hayworth, whose co-stars included Cary Grant and Gene Kelly, suffered from early-onset Alzheimer’s and died at 68 in 1987 due to complications associated with the disease. Her daughter, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, took care of the star in New York City and, after her diagnosis, founded a gala in her honor that has raised over $90 million since its inception in 1984. This year’s 41st edition of the Alzheimer’s Association Imagine Benefit honored the Princess’s friend, skincare mogul Peter Thomas Roth, for “his commitment to the mission and his impact on raising awareness and funding for care and research.” She added, “Alzheimer’s remains a national crisis, affecting over 7 million Americans, including over 427,000 New Yorkers.”

Held at the iconic Plaza Hotel, the Alzheimer’s Association Imagine Benefit, built on the legacy of the Rita Hayworth Gala, raised more than $1.3 million to support the Association’s mission of accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Roth, who has supported the benefit for over two decades, received the Rita Hayworth Award for his longstanding dedication. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude and issued an impassioned call to action: “Let’s keep fighting. Let’s keep laughing. And let’s keep showing up. Until the only thing we forget is what it felt like to lose someone to this disease.”

The event’s theme, “Magic of the Mind,” came to life through the remarkable talents of mentalist Christophe Fox, who enthralled guests with a three-part performance that blended psychology, illusion, and human connection. His captivating demonstrations drew gasps and applause, perfectly mirroring the evening’s message of hope, mystery, and perseverance.

A moving moment came when Tony Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin (“Hadestown”) and her husband Jake Heinrichs shared their family’s personal journey with inherited Alzheimer’s caused by a rare gene mutation. Heinrichs is a participant in the groundbreaking DIAN-TU clinical study, which explores potential prevention treatments. “We are grateful to the Alzheimer’s Association for its work on behalf of families like ours,” they said. “Please continue investing in research. Alzheimer’s knows no political, economic, or geographic boundaries. Research is the difference between which children will grow up with a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent — or without them.”

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan reflected on her mother’s legacy and the mission that has guided her for more than four decades. “My journey to end Alzheimer’s began in 1981, when my mother, Rita Hayworth, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Overnight, I became a caregiver at 32 years old, and soon after, this cause became my life’s calling,” she said. “Tonight, we honor my dear friend Peter Thomas Roth for his unwavering commitment to this event for more than two decades. Thanks to him — and to our dedicated chairs, committee, sponsors, donors, and supporters — we reach new heights year after year. One day, with the work done by the Alzheimer’s Association, we won’t have to imagine a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. We will live it.”

Entertainment was provided by the legendary Café Wha? UNLIMTD Band, who kept the dance floor buzzing throughout the night. A live auction, featuring exclusive offerings from Wayne Brady, Hunt Slonem, and Exclusive Resorts, added to the excitement. The event was generously underwritten by Rolex Watch USA, while Aphrodise contributed its sparkling Rosé and Miss Maude Chocolates treated guests to its signature Theater Bar.

Distinguished attendees included Huma Abedin, Peter Gallagher and Paula Harwood, Josie Natori, Jason Wu, Louise Roe, Hunt Slonem, and Lucia Hwong Gordon, among many others from the worlds of art, fashion, society, and philanthropy.

Proceeds from the Imagine Benefit will support the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission and the work of its New York City Chapter. Currently, more than 426,000 New Yorkers are living with Alzheimer’s, and over 656,000 provide unpaid care for loved ones battling the disease. With each passing year, the Imagine Benefit continues to uphold Rita Hayworth’s legacy—transforming heartbreak into hope and helping to advance the vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.