A true spirit of teamwork resonated through The Pierre’s ballroom on Thursday, May 31st as the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter honored the NFL, NFL Players Association and two NFL wives for helping to create the “88 Plan,” the most comprehensive financial protection program for dementia sufferers anywhere in the nation. The annual “Forget-Me-Not” Gala, emceed by Dana Tyler, CBS 2 Anchor and cochaired by Ben and Meredith Jenkins, raised $1.3 million.

“Those of us whose families have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease know just how devastating it is and not just for victims, but family, friends, spouses, and children, who are often the caregivers,” Ben Jenkins said in his opening remarks. He also gave a nod to the outstanding work of our president and CEO. “What can you say about Lou-Ellen Barkan except that she’s amazing?”

Ms. Tyler spoke about her grandmother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s and its effect on her life.

Sylvia Mackey, wife of Pro Football Hall of Fame player John Mackey, and Dr. Eleanor Perfetto, wife of former NFL player Ralph Wenzel, were honored with our “Advocate Leadership Award” for raising awareness about the problem of dementia in the NFL--- leading to the creation of the “88 Plan.” We presented the “Community Leadership Award” to Dennis Curran on behalf of Harold R. Henderson, NFL Executive Vice President for Labor Relations and Chairman of the NFL Management Council Executive Committee and Gene Upshaw, Executive Director of the NFL Players Association.

“Although my husband played the tight end position in his NFL career with the Baltimore Colts, he is now my center in this line, as he has always been the real center of my life,” said Mrs. Mackey. “Now he has made me the quarterback. So, I threw a pass to NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue who ran into the end zone and scored the touchdown for the “88 Plan.” “This plan is only the first step for us, but we’re glad to join you to find a way to conquer this,” Upshaw said. Metropolitan Opera soprano Claudia Waite dazzled the crowd with a performance of “Some Enchanted Evening.”

Lou-Ellen Barkan with “Advocate Leadership” honorees Dr. Eleanor Perfetto & Sylvia Mackey

Auction items included a night for two at the spectacularly restored Plaza Hotel; the opportunity to meet and have coffee with world renowned visionary architect Daniel Libeskind, Master Planner for the World Trade Center site; a private dinner with Ms. Waite; a personal “Play-by-Play” Mets package with Ralph Kiner; a chance to meet the cast and crew of CBS 2 News at Noon and see the broadcast live from in-studio; luxurious vacations; exciting entertainment and sports tickets; a behind the scenes tour and tea at Christie’s; and other “priceless” experiences.

Before she left to broadcast the news at 11 p.m., Ms.Tyler joined us in congratulating the honorees, saying, “Their work is an inspiration. Their partnership is a model for us all.”

— Kim Esp

Board member Ken & Judy Reiss	Board member Heath & Judith McLendon	Board Co-Chair Mark Zurack & Board member James Haddon	International opera soprano Claudia Waite & Jed Levine, Chapter Executive Vice President
Alan Hartman, Tami & Rick Schneider, Women in Action chair & Board Member respectively, and Kim Hartman		Three generations celebrate Sylvia's award for helping tocreate the “88 Plan”
Click here to view our entire 2007 "Forget-Me-Not" Gala photographs.

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