“Some people thought they were coming here to see Laura Bush,” said Jean Smart on May 31^st at the 2006 “Forget-Me-Not” Gala, referencing her role as First Lady Martha Logan on Fox’s 24. “I’m not Laura Bush. I’m David Hyde Pierce,” joked Smart, who emceed the event, generating a laugh from the 600 guests. Rick and Tami Schneider co-chaired the record-breaking gala at The Pierre in New York City, which raised more than $1.3 million.

In addition to Ms. Smart’s star power, Ken Howard (Crossing Jordan & Huff), Dominic Chianese (The Sopranos), Joanna Cassidy (Boston Legal & Six Feet Under) and Shannon Miller (Olympic gold medalist gymnast) joined the celebration and fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Each of the celebrities shared their personal experiences with the disease and spoke highly of the Chapter.

Jean Smart & Ken Howard dancing to the
music of Valerie Romanoff’s Starlight Orchestra

Mr. Chianese, who received the Chapter’s first “Creative Leadership” Award for his portrayal of dementia suffering Uncle Junior on HBO’s The Sopranos, said, “People who suffer from Alzheimer’s sometimes have an inability to express their love — and that’s what makes us human. Alzheimer’s is a paralysis of the mind, and that’s the saddest thing in the world.” Regarding his involvement with the Chapter, he said, “I’ll be doing this as long as I’m alive.”

The Chianese Family

“They say it takes a village. We say it also takes a Good Samaritan,” said Ms. Smart as she introduced Elder Law Attorney Michael Long, who received the 2006 "Good Samaritan" Award for pro-bono assistance to Yvette Ellis and her family. As a result of his work, Ms. Ellis was able to get necessary documentation to secure long-term care for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease. Thanks to Mr. Long, Ms. Ellis was able to return to her job and was relieved of some of the caregiving burden.

Joanna Cassidy read a letter from another staunch supporter, David Hyde Pierce, who was on the West coast and unable to attend. Mr. Pierce told the audience — many of them Chapter volunteers, “You have all given so much – so much money, yes, but just as importantly, your time. Time is our greatest non-renewable resource … and you have all chosen to spend your valuable time fighting Alzheimer’s disease.”

The crowd also enjoyed a stellar performance by international opera soprano Claudia Waite, who brought tears to many with her rendition of
“You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Board Director David Geithner & Joanna Cassidy

A live auction featured a private dinner with Mr. Chianese, a sunset cruise with Mr. Pierce, an evening of opera with Ms. Waite, children’s gymnastics lessons from Ms. Miller, and a special package from Ms. Smart with a signed script from 24 among other things. The auctions were arranged by Women In Action, a committee of volunteers that raises funds and awareness for AD. This year’s auctions raised nearly $85,000 (silent) and $133,000 (live).

The “Forget-Me-Not” Gala capped a record-breaking year in which the Chapter has served more people with dementia, their family members and caregivers than ever before with new and expanded programs.

“We have to do what we can to make the ends of peoples’ lives as respectful and meaningful as possible,” said Ms. Smart, in closing. Thank you to everyone who worked on or contributed to this gala, which is making strides towards that goal.