Alzheimer’s Association | New York Rita Hayworth Gala

The New York Rita Hayworth Gala honors individuals, families and companies who show their support of and dedication to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease through their fundraising, care and volunteer efforts.

2018 Champion Award

The Johnson Family

In memory of Elizabeth (Libet) Ross Johnson, the Johnson Family is honored to receive the Champion Award. Born in New Jersey to Betty Wold Johnson and Robert Wood Johnson, Jr., Libet was raised in Princeton before traveling the world and eventually settling in New York City. She was known for her zest for life and her dedication to philanthropic efforts. She was especially proud of founding Sovann Komar, a non-profit organization for orphaned and abandoned children in Cambodia. She lived by the credo that when you were given much, you had a duty to give a great deal in return. Libet lost her lengthy battle with Alzheimer's in 2017 but her children, Lily, John-Lansing, Annabel, Oliver, and William continue to share in her legacy of good will. The Johnson Family has been an avid supporter of the Alzheimer's Association and we are grateful for their partnership in our fight against this disease.

Previous Honorees

2017

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Nina Garcia

2016

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Bill Brand, HSN & Brendan Shanahan, Toronto Maple Leafs

2015

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Michele and Larry Herbert & B. Smith and Dan Gasby

2014

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Mark Locks & The Kornfeld Family

2013

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Stewart Wicht, Rolex Watch USA & Dr. John Lechleiter

2012

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Cigna, James Keach, Jane Seymour & Trevor Albert, PCH Films

2011

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Somers Farkas, HSNi

2010

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Naeem & Ranjana Khan, G. Marlyne Sexton

2009

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Muffie Potter Aston, The Catsimatidis Family, Lonnie Wollin, Esq.

2008

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Lily Safra, Frank A. Bennack, Jr.

2007

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John K. Castle, Nurit Kahane Haase

2006

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Phyllis George

2005

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Robert H. Benmosche, Dennis Basso

2004

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Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Maria Shriver

2003

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Donna Dixon Aykroyd

2002

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Margo Catsimatidis

2001

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Lillian Goldman, Dr. Dale Schenk

2000

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Claudia Cohen, Dr. Martin Citron

1999

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Michele Herbert, Dr. Howard Fillit

1998

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Anne R. Hearst

1997

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Deborah Norville, Dr. Richard Mayeux

1996

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Nancy Reagan, Dr. Zaven Khachaturian

1995

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Zachary Fisher, Dr. Dennis J. Selkoe

1994

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Burton Resnick, Dr. Allen D. Roses

1993

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Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Dr. Peter Vincent Rabins

1992

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Eunice Shriver, Charles Evans, Dr. Donald Lowell Price

1991

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Amalia de Fortabat, Ala Isham, Dr. Kenneth L. Davis

1990

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Randolph A. Hearst, Rhonie Berlinger, Dr. Peter Davies

1989

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Michael Fuchs

1988

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Anthony Quinn

1987

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Willard Scott

1986

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Richard Kiley

1985

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Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.

1984

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Catherine Deneuve