Bettina's Take: The 2011 Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala
What makes a perfect benefit? A worthy cause, a beautiful setting, keeping the speeches to a minimum, a superb performance by a rock legend, auction items to die for, and a dance performance by Charles Askegard are an excellent place to start.
The Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala, underwritten by Rolex, had all this and more.
The ballroom at the Waldorf was transformed into black and white Hollywood Glamour heaven by designer David Monn. Nicole Miller and Kim Taipale, the Honorable David Paterson, Gala Chairs Anne and Jay McInerney, and Gary and Diana Fisketjon kiss-kissed and caught up.
"I'm so happy, I have the perfect trifecta tonight," said Patricia Clarkson, in an ultra feminine black and red gown. "David Hyde Pierce is a dear friend, I did the introduction to a Rita Hayworth boxed DVD set, and I'm wearing Douglas Hannant," she continued, as Hannant beamed.
The legendary Patty Smyth took the stage, wearing a black lace Chanel jumpsuit and a stunning Van Cleef & Arpels necklace.
"I'm going to dedicate this song to you, because tonight we are all warriors in the fight against this disease," said Smyth before rocking the house with Scandal's hit, "I Am The Warrior."
David Hyde Pierce and Victor Garber gave us the dismal Alzheimer's statistics.
"Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the Unites States," said Garber. "We can't prevent, slow or cure it. This cannot continue."
The always elegant Princess Yasmin Aga Khan gave a wrenching speech about watching her mother's (Hayworth) condition deteriorate to the point where she didn't recognize her own daughter.
The evening's honorees followed.
Somers Farkas, in a silver sequined Naeem Khan and an updo created by Yann at Varins salon, spoke eloquently of how the disease has affected her loved ones.
Mindy Grossman, the powerhouse CEO of HSNi, spoke of the tragic experience of caring for, and losing, her aging parents affected by Alzheimer's. Grossman also announced the creation of an exclusive jewelry line, inspired by Rita Hayworth, to be sold on HSN, the proceeds of which will raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association.
"We'll be able to speak to women in 96 million homes and raise awareness for Alzheimer's," said Grossman.
Anne Hearst McInerney, in a navy blue Naeem Khan, has been a long time supporter of the cause.
"We were very honored to be asked by Yasmin Aga Khan to co-chair this event," said McInerney. Yasmin is not only a good friend and an exceptional chair of the Rita Hayworth gala, she is an inspiration to everyone who has a family member suffering from this devastating illness."
The silent auction was filled with incredible items that were dreams come true, including a game of doubles with former tennis world champion John McEnroe (Smyth's husband), a custom-made Savoir bed, a pair of Prince Dimitri earrings, a case of delicious Laetitia Pinot Noir, and a Dennis Basso chinchilla capelet.
There was a live auction too, mercifully short (two items), with Jay McInerney as the inspiring auctioneer, offering Roger Waters's guitar and VIP tickets to The Wall in July to the highest bidder.
As the bidding for the silent auction was closing, there were furious last minute entries, with fierce competition for access to the upcoming Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue launch party.
Who won? I'll never tell.
Photos: Douglas Hannant and Patricia Clarkson (top); the Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala Steering Committee (bottom)
