Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), the leading 501c3 dedicated to conquering Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through research, education, awareness, and patient services today announced that its fifth annual New York City Gala raised over $2.5 million last night at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan.
Credit/Copyright: Getty Images/Global Lyme Alliance
The money raised at the event will support GLA’s mission to advance scientific research leading to a reliable diagnostic test, improved treatment options, and ultimately, find a cure for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.
The gala experience was produced by sponsor and celebrated event planner Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events, who donated his event planning and design services towards the Global Lyme Alliance’s New York Gala for the fifth consecutive year. Showcasing his unique commitment to philanthropic causes, the spectacular and one-of-a-kind gala was an evening to remember for invited celebrities, business leaders, and top scientists alike.
The 2019 gala was Global Lyme Alliance’s largest fundraising gala to date, which welcomed more than 700 business leaders, philanthropists, noteworthy scientists, past honorees, board members and Lyme warriors including 2015 honoree, actress, author and Lyme advocate, Yolanda Hadid. Television personality and host, Dr. Mehmet Oz, board member and past honoree, Erin Walker alongside PGA Tour Champion, Jimmy Walker, rising star of Netflix’s new hit series, “Family Reunion,” Talia Jackson, actor and entrepreneur, Crystal Hefner and television host, producer and author Genevieve Gorder, among many others.
The evenings honored guests included Bob and Karen Kelly, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, Lyme patients, and staunch advocates dedicated to finding a cure for this insidious disease; Adrienne Nolan-Smith, wellness and patient advocate, speaker and founder of WellBe (@getwellbe), a media company and lifestyle brand focused on bridging the gap between the healthcare system and the wellness movement and David Nolan, father of three Lyme survivors and former vice chairman of Millennium Partners. Rosanna Scotto, co-host of FOX 5’s “Good Day New York” hosted the event.
With over $600,000 raised during the evening alone, top auction items included an ultimate VIP guest experience with Grammy-nominated pop rock icon Avril Lavigne at Live in the Vineyard in Napa Valley, CA; an exclusive golf weekend with Jimmy Walker at his home course, The Club at Cordillera; and an intimate dinner for ten prepared by James Beard Award winning chef Charlie Palmer.
To close out the evening, the audience was entertained by the legendary Big Apple Circus and a very special performance by 2019 TONY Award-Winner for “Best Leading Actor in a Musical,” Santino Fontana of the Broadway musical, Tootsie. Guests dined on a menu inspired by master chef and American hospitality entrepreneur, Charlie Palmer. Palmer’s Aureole provided hors d’oeuvres for the event.
The Co-Chairs for the event include Amy Marissa Balducci, executive, Sotheby’s International Realty; Charles Balducci, co-founder, Snyder/Balducci Group, Merrill Lynch; Genevieve Gorder, television host and producer, home product designer, and author; Yolanda Hadid, actress, television star and passionate Lyme advocate; Robert Kobre, vice chairman, Credit Suisse; Avril Lavigne, internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter; Lorrie Nadel, GLA board member; Jarrod Nadel, chief product development officer, Tailored Brands, Inc.; Karma Newberry, owner/president, Discovery Hydrovac; Peter Norley, COO, Credit Suisse Securities; Charlie Palmer, celebrated restaurateur and author; Larry Scott, owner, Lawrence Scott Events; Marisol Thomas, philanthropist and animal rights activist; Rob Thomas, Grammy-Award winning singer/songwriter, producer; Erin Walker, GLA board member; and Jimmy Walker, six-time PGA tour winner and 2016 PGA championship winner.
Honorary Event Chairs included Donna de Varona, Jim Miller, Mary Beth Pfeiffer, Mike Schneider, Victor Slezak, and Amy Tan.
Platinum Sponsors included Avison Young, The Avril Lavigne Foundation, Big Apple Circus, Credit Suisse, Bob and Karen Kelly, Lawrence Scott Events, David Nolan Foundation and Withersworldwide.
Everyone is at risk for Lyme disease. Each one of us is just one tick bite away from contracting the disease. Case 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 more than 50 percent inaccurate, resulting in failed and missed diagnoses.
For more information, please visit www.GLA.org.
