Alzheimer’s Association Fork It Alzheimer’s Farm-to-Fork Event 2021

Fork It Alzheimer's event bridgehampton

On Saturday, July 31st, Daryl and Irwin Simon hosted the second Alzheimer’s Association Fork It Alzheimer’s farm-to-fork reception and dinner at a private estate in Bridgehampton.

The event raised more than $760,000 to fund critical Alzheimer’s Association care, support and research programs and brought awareness to Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects more than 6 million Americans and more than 11 million caregivers.

Nicole Sexton Princess Yasmin Aga Khan Daryl Simon and Harry Johns
Nicole Sexton, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Daryl Simon, and Harry Johns

Cocktail Hour

To kick off the evening, the event’s more than 300 guests sipped on cocktails courtesy of SweetWater Brewing Company, Constellation Brands liquor, Taub Family Vineyards wine, Sagaponack Vodka, Marchesi Fumanelli wines, and VIDE Premium Canned Cocktails.

Passed hors d’oeuvres included miniature versions of the famed lobster rolls from Lunch Lobster Roll.

fork it Alzheimer's lunch lobster roll

“We were happy to support our partner, Irwin Simon, and share our iconic Hamptons lobster rolls with the generous and vivacious group of attendees at Fork It Alzheimer’s, and proud to be served alongside such a stellar menu of local community purveyors,” says Andrea Anthony, co-owner of The Lobster Roll – LUNCH.

The picturesque setting overlooked acres of vast farmland provided the perfect summery backdrop for the event.

fork it Alzheimer's event atmosphere

Dinner Reception

After cocktail hour, guests made their way to a large Sperry tent topped with purple flags. Purple is the color of the Alzheimer’s movement. Guests were seated for a farm-to-fork, family-style dinner that utilized locally-sourced ingredients from community purveyors. Long, farm-style dinner tables with Mediterranean decor provided by Marders and upbeat music made for a fun, lively atmosphere.

Following dinner, the party continued as guests danced, drank coffee cocktails courtesy of Hudson Roasters, and indulged in make-your-own s’mores over a large fire.

guests attend fork it alzheimers event

Evening Remarks

CNBC’s Frank Holland emceed the event and thanked the “powerhouse hosts” for “making an incredible difference in the battle against Alzheimer’s.” After the disease personally affected both of their families, Fork It Alzheimer’s event Founders and Chairs, Daryl and Irwin Simon made it their mission to help fight Alzheimer’s and dementia.

In remarks, Daryl welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of coming together as a community to make a difference. She also touched upon the inspiration she receives from the next generation of leaders that is “taking the reins and making the cause their own.” She further pledged that, “together, we will fight for a world without Alzheimer’s.”

vanessa gordon and Tijana Ibrahimovic
Vanessa Gordon and Tijana Ibrahimovic

“Alzheimer’s is a disease that has touched our family deeply. It is greatly important to us to bring together our community to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. We are thrilled to have doubled the funds raised from the first Fork It Alzheimer’s event and look forward to the impact it will make in research and in our community,” exclaims Daryl and Irwin Simon in a joint statement.

Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO Harry Johns shared updates on the latest in Alzheimer’s research from last week’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. The evening’s Mission Moment speaker, Michelle Florin, gave a moving speech on her late mother’s battle with younger-onset Alzheimer’s.

Mike Fascitelli Irwin Simon Stew Leonard and Larry Brandon
Mike Fascitelli, Irwin Simon, Stew Leonard, and Larry Brandman

“On behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association, thank you to Daryl and Irwin Simon for their extraordinary efforts in hosting such a successful second annual Fork It Alzheimer’s event in support of the Alzheimer’s Association. It was great to see such a vibrant, generous crowd gather in support of the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia,” says Harry Johns.

“I hope that sharing my story shines a light on the devastating effects of early-onset Alzheimer’s and shows that Alzheimer’s impacts individuals of all ages. My funny, fearless, outgoing, gorgeous, superstar mom, Jacki, recently passed away at age 61 after a heartbreaking seven year battle with the disease. I dream of a day when Alzheimer’s no longer robs us of our loved ones,” says Florin.

The evening, which coincided with Irwin Simon’s birthday, also included a lively fund-a-need moment where the Simon children, Nicolette, Lucas, Trevor and Garett rallied attendees to donate to the cause.

fork it alzheimer's cocktail reception bridgehampton
Credit: Eugene Gologursky for Getty Images

Notable Attendees

Stacy Bash-Polley, Nadia Inwood, Robert Mayer, and Ed Scher served as the host committee for the event, and Matthew Sandberg and Nicolette Simon as Next Generation chairs. Jefferies Bank served as the Hamptons event’s Presenting Sponsor, with additional support from Double Diamond Farms, Moelis & Company, Stacy, Ethan, and Owen Polley, Michael Serruya & Andy DeFrancesco, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and Leesa and Leon Wagner.

Attendees included event founders and chairs Daryl and Irwin Simon, Alzheimer’s Association President and CEO Harry Johns. Additional, notable guests were Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Steve Madden, Ramy Brook, Corey Paige Bloomberg, Jill Heller, Frank Holland, Stew and Kim Leonard, Deanna Rockefeller, Michael Serruya, Nicole Sexton, Stacy Bash-Polley, and next generation chairs Matthew Sandberg and Nicolette Simon.

Funds raised through Fork It Alzheimer’s will directly support the Alzheimer’s Association’s research program. It will also support local efforts of the New York City and Long Island Chapters of the Association.

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