When you think of the leading causes of death in the United States, you may think of cancer or heart disease but there is one disease in the “top ten” that may not be front of mind. It’s a disease that can’t be slowed, it can’t be stopped and it can’t be prevented. That disease is Alzheimer’s and it is the sixth leading cause of death in our country.
Right now, over five million Americans are living with the disease which is more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. And while the death rate of other diseases in the “top ten” have declined, between 2000 and 2013, deaths from Alzheimer’s has increased by 71%.
When the opportunity to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Rita Hayworth Gala in Chicago, the Jenn-Air brand didn’t hesitate. “So many people are affected by this disease and the work of the Alzheimer’s Association is of critical importance” shared Brian Maynard, Jenn-Air Marketing Director. Maynard continued to say “those stricken with the disease can’t always speak up for themselves and the Alzheimer’s Association provides that voice to advocate for both the care of those affected and the research needed to eventually eradicate the disease.”
Paul Virant, photo by Bill Richert
Jenn-Air is supporting the Gala in a number of ways. In early March, a kick-off reception was hosted at the Jenn-Air Master Class Studio in the historic Reid Murdoch Building. At this event, guests enjoyed cuisine prepared by top local chefs Jennifer Jones Enyart & Brian Enyart of Dos Urban Cantina, Ryan Pitts of RL Restaurant and Paul Virant of Vie. Click here to watch a video from the event.
At the Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala on May 7, a Jenn-Air & Chef Joho Ultimate Dining Experience will also be auctioned. This unforgettable dinner for ten will be a multiple course affair complete with wine pairings and prepared by renowned Chef/Proprietor J. Joho of Everest restaurant. The Ultimate Dining Experience will take place in the unique Clock Tower Dining Room in the penthouse of the historic Reid Murdoch Building; an ideal location to complement the “Time is of the Essence” theme of the Gala.
The Gala was started 29 years ago by Princess Yasmin Aga Khan in honor of her mother, actress Rita Hayworth, who died from Alzheimer’s disease. Since its inception, over $68 million has been raised through the Chicago and New York Rita Hayworth Galas. Click here to find more information on the Gala, view pictures of the past events and purchase tickets.
Jennifer Jones Enyart, Maggie Murzanski, June Barnard, Brian Enyart photo by Bill Richert
Ryan Pitts, photo by Bill Richert
To support the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission to “eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health” you can make an online donation. If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer’s and is in need of support, licensed and trained social workers can be reached 24/7 through the Alzheimer’s Association’s hotline at 1-800-272-3900.
*All Alzheimer’s statistics from www.alz.org
April 15, 2016