Senators, Governors, And Members Of Congress, Oh My! Alzheimer’s Gala Raises $9+ Million…

NORTHWEST -- Fresh from a marathon voting session on the Hill, a dozen or so Senators, Congressmen, and Congresswomen, joined hundreds of fellow supporters, including Governor Robert F. McDonnell (R-VA), for the 8th Annual National Alzheimer’s Gala at the National Building Museum on Wednesday evening.

Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell presented Michael W. Weiner, M.D. with the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Award.
The timing of last night’s fundraiser-cum-celebration was fortuitous as it coincided with the introduction of the Health Outcomes, Planning, and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act (S. 738/H.R. 1386) in Congress earlier in the day. And naturally, bill co-sponsors Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Congressman Edward Markey (D-MA), and Congressman Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) were all present (although some were a bit later than others depending on their respective voting schedules).

Senators Susan Collins and Debbie Stabenow flank Gala Co-Chair George Vradenburg.
Joining them were colleagues Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA).

Even House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), managed to stop by the gala’s VIP Chairman’s Reception, remarking that “You may be doing it because of personal experience. You may be doing it for the greater good. But for whatever reason, our country benefits… And to the extent that you are coming together to invest in Alzheimer’s research, but also to insist on a stronger role by the Federal government, you are doing a great thing for our country…”

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi spent time talking with guests after a brief series of remarks.
Emceed by Emmy and Tony Award winner David Hyde Pierce, who also serves as the Honorary Director on the Alzheimer’s Association’s National Board, the 2011 gala raised more than $9 million to address the rapidly growing Alzheimer’s health crisis.

Indeed, in introducing Gala Co-Chairs George and Trish Vradenburg, Pierce reminded them about a series of “scary charts” from last year’s event, which the Vradenburgs then proceeded to project on-screen and demonstrated to guests the enormity of the problem.

Alzheimer’s projected cost to Medicare and Medicaid over the next few decades is staggering.
While certainly raising funds for a serious disease, the evening was full of light-hearted moments as well, including a “protest song” performance (Bob Dylan cover) by the RockStars of Science.

The Blondes vs. Brunettes table rocked-out to the RockStars of Science.
Governor McDonnell perhaps summed-up things the best in remarking, “Thanks to all of you for your for generosity, giving of your time, your talent, your treasure, your advice to this great organization. It’s one that’s touched me personally. I lost my dad last year after 13 years of struggle with the disease. I appreciate the fact that this money is going to so many important things. Research and advocacy. Education and awareness in the community about the nature of the disease and how to live and cope with it… We’re going to make this disease a thing of the past and, in the future, find some good things to do to treat and prevent it.”

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To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association or to make a donation, please visit the organization's website.