Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to the research and education of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, announced its third annual New York City Gala raised $2 million.
Credit/Copyright: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
The funding will support GLA’s mission to advance scientific research leading to a reliable diagnostic test and better treatment protocols, as well as educate both the public and physicians about Lyme disease.
This year’s gala, produced by celebrity event planner Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events, was attended by more than 700 supporters at Cipriani 42nd Street and honored Marisol Thomas, philanthropist, animal rights advocate and wife of Grammy Award-winning musician Rob Thomas and Joseph Abboud, celebrated and award-winning menswear designer and author of Threads: My Life Behind the Seams in the High-Stakes World of Fashion and Fashion Designer Encyclopedia, for their active roles in driving awareness of Lyme disease and their commitment to finding a cure for this complex and misunderstood disease. The event was hosted by Rosanna Scotto, co-anchor of FOX 5’s Good Day New York.
Credit/Copyright: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Celebrated event planner Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events produced and designed the gala for the third year in a row, including donating the décor. The space was decorated in a black and gold color scheme, featuring sleek centerpieces and stunning floral arrangements. Scott is as well-known for producing spectacular, one-of-a-kind events as he is for his commitment to philanthropy. With a long-standing dedication to the community and decades of charitable endeavors, Scott is both a devoted philanthropist and legendary event planner. He supports more than 30 charities annually, including the Global Lyme Alliance.
For Scott, it’s all about the mix — the high and the low, the formal and relaxed — when it comes to creating a truly standout celebration. Scott’s innate understanding of his guests makes everyone feel included; and his usage of exclusively in-house services means clients receive only the best in custom décor, food, florals, and entertainment, creating timeless, unforgettable events.
“The threat of Lyme is real, and growing by the day. This gala helps get us closer to finding answers, and ultimately a cure for Lyme disease, thanks to the support and generosity of everyone involved,” said GLA CEO Scott Santarella. “We are truly grateful to have such tremendous support this year. From our honorees, to our co-chairs, donors, and everyone else who played a role in making this event successful, we are so thankful.”
The Co-Chairs for the gala included Tim Baxter, president and CEO, Samsung Electronics America; Nick Lippman, partner, Lippman Entertainment; Jay McInerney, best-selling author; Jarrod Nadel, chief product development director, Tailored Brands, Inc.; Julian Niccolini, partner, The Four Seasons Restaurant; David Nolan, vice chairman, Millennium Management; Larry Scott, owner, Lawrence Scott Events; Rob Thomas, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and producer; Alex von Bidder, partner, The Four Seasons Restaurant. The evening’s Honorary Event chairs included Yolanda Hadid, television personality and author; Ally Hilfiger, author, Lyme advocate and fashion designer; Dee and Tommy Hilfiger; Thalia Mottola, singer/songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur; Mike Schneider, broadcast journalist and documentary producer.
The ceremony was followed by performances from special musical guests, including Grammy award- winning artist Rob Thomas and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and front man for the band bearing his name Chris Daughtry. Guests were also treated to amazing food inspired by The Four Seasons Restaurant’s new menu, courtesy of executive chef Pecko Zantilaveevan.
Notable attendees included Larry Scott, Yolanda Hadid, Ally Hilfiger, Marisol and Rob Thomas, Chris Daughtry, Bryan Adams, Ramona Singer, Joseph Abboud, Jean Shafiroff, Rosanna Scotto, Jim Miller, Charles Balducci, Debbie Siciliano, Rob Kobre, Diane Blanchard, Scott Santarella, Staci Grodin, Andrew Saffir, Daniel Benedict, Richard Baker and many others.
Everyone is susceptible to Lyme and is just one tick bite away from contracting the disease. Cases of Lyme have been reported in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, making it a health crisis with worldwide impact. Additionally, current diagnostic tests for Lyme disease are inaccurate in more than fifty percent of Lyme patients, leading to both failed and misdiagnoses.
The number of cases reported annually has increased nearly 25-fold since national surveillance began in 1982. 329,000 people in the United States alone contract Lyme disease each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
