This week the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter shared news of their successful gala, “Alzheimer’s Association Goes Hollywood: Celebrating 10 years of Passion, Progress and Purpose.” The event raised $550,000.
The event, held May 12 at the Greenwich Country Club, was co-chaired by Connecticut residents Brent and Courtney Montgomery, who have a personal connection to the disease.
Emcees for the evening were Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer and CNBC’s Scott Wapner.
Guests were treated to a surprise video from Brent’s business partner Jimmy Kimmel, a lovely dinner and dancing to Kunjan Collective.
Brent shared why he became involved, to honor his father who lived with dementia for almost a
decade. Brent commented, “It was beyond special to have had the honor this year to co-chair
with Courtney and see up close what she and the rest of the dedicated volunteers and team do
every year at the Connecticut chapter. It’s fun to see the power of Fairfield County harnessed in
such a meaningful way. Looking forward to 2024!”
Three notable volunteers also shared their stories: Ginge Cabrera, a long-time volunteer who
serves as the Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter Board of Advisors
received the Passion award; Dr. Chris van Dyck, Director of the Yale Alzheimer’s Disease
Research Unit who has been instrumental in science advancements for decades, received the
Progress award; and NFL Legend Leonard Marshall, who uses his diagnosis to encourage others
to live for today and give back, received the Purpose award.
There are 80,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease in Connecticut, and that number is expected to reach 91,000 by 2025.
Money raised at this annual gala will help the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter educate and empower those with dementia and their caregivers, as well as fuel critical research towards new treatments and effective ways to manage this disease.
The Montgomerys led a committee of Fairfield County volunteers and supporters who worked diligently to make the event so impactful. Committee members include: Corporate Development
Chair Derek Braddock, Ginge Cabrera, Kate Clark, Jen Danzi, Wendy Day, Emily Diaferio,
Jaime Eisenberg, Kendra Farn, Emma Habek, Victoria Hanes, Kim Haney, Eleni Henkel,
Brittany Illustrato, Allison Leigh, Nina Lindia, Cristin Marandino, Cindy Milazzo, Heather
O’Connell, Monique Olivier, Jennifer Shannon, Kristin Welton, Danielle Wong, Dena Zarra and
Amy Zolin.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Their mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.