On August 5th, the 2011 Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala Hamptons Kick-off cocktail reception was hosted by Princess Yasmin Aga Khan and Anne Hearst McInerney & Jay McInerney at the McInerneys’ home, Ashgrove Farm, in Water Mill. Navy and white striped tablecloths with white flowers in paisley containers adorned the lawn with décor by Michael Gerloff from Colin Cowie. The caterer was Robbins Wolfe who served champagne and “Southsides” along with delicious hors d’oeuvres. A yellow leather bed from English luxury company Savoir Beds [www.savoirbeds.com] was prominently displayed on the lawn for guests to luxuriate on.  The bespoke bed company has donated one of its hand-made Savoir mattresses and beds [$30,000] to be auctioned off at the upcoming Gala in October.

The Hamptons summer soirée brought out Alzheimer’s Association supporters including:  Ross Bleckner, Alina Cho, Debbie Bancroft, Chele Chiavacci, Sharon Bush, Whitney Fairchild, Somers & Jonathan Farkas, Harry Johns (President & CEO Alzheimers Association), Alexandra Lebenthal,  Robin Meltzer, Hilary & Wilbur Ross, Marlyne Sexton, Nicole Sexton, Lauren Wilner (HSN Fashion Director), Robert Wilson, artist Hunt Slonem, Pandy Biddle, and author Dirk Wittenborn.

The event served as a kick-off for the 28th annual Alzheimer’s Association’s New York Rita Hayworth Gala which will be held on Tuesday, October 25th in NYC. The theme, “Hollywood Glamour,” will embody the glamour of Rita Hayworth while also shining a spotlight on Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States and an estimated 5.4 million Americans are living with this disease. Since the inaugural Rita Hayworth Gala in New York nearly three decades ago, the New York, Chicago and Dallas events have raised more than $53 million to support Alzheimer’s Association’s critical care and research programs. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan established the Gala as a tribute to her mother, Rita Hayworth, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease for many years before her death in 1987. She has remained an active leader, as General Chair of the Rita Hayworth Galas, inspiring generous financial support for the Alzheimer’s Association.

This year’s gala chairs are Anne Hearst McInerney & Jay McInerney. The Rita Hayworth Award will go to Somers Farkas and the Corporate Award will go to Mindy Grossman, CEO of HSN.

About the Alzheimer’s Association & Rita Hayworth Gala:

 The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.

*For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

Photo credit: Adriel Reboh & Patrick for Patrick McMullan Co. Images; www.patrickmcmullan.com