With NYC gala season in full swing, the Global Lyme Alliance hosted its annual fundraising event which is dedicated to fighting Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. While one can easily be distracted by all the glitz and the glam, it is important to remember the cause of each gala. The GLA gala served a particularly important cause. Almost 500,000 people in the US are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year. There is no effective vaccine on the market. If left untreated, the disease can cause severe and debilitating symptoms. Moreover, some patients develop “post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome” (PTLDS) which can have significant effects on their daily life. There is no effective treatment either.
As such, the Global Lyme Alliance hosted a fundraising gala to raise awareness and funds for research at Cipriani’s 42nd St. The evening’s honored guests included Kim & Atty Cleworth, a mother and daughter who have been impacted by Lyme. As in previous years, Rosanna Scotto, co-Host of Good Day New York served as the Master of Ceremonies. The evening began with the red-carpet arrivals, followed by a cocktail hour and the main gala dinner that included a live auction led by Jason Lamoreaux. While attendees were enjoying their three-course dinner, Erich Bergen, the star of Madam Secretary and Jersey Boys, and singer Pia Toscano were entertaining the audience. The menu for the evening consisted of the iconic Cipriani burrata with grape tomatoes and black olives, prime roast fillet of beef with red wine sauce and Cipriani classic bites for dessert.
Plenty of celebrities wanted to be part of the Global Lyme Alliance cause and were seen on the red carpet. Among them were Law & Order actor Chris Meloni, Moulin Rouge! The Musical star Ashley Loren as well as Kelly Flanagan and Peter Weber from The Bachelor who seem to have re-kindled their relationship. Real Housewives of NJ stars Margaret Josephs, Dolores Catania and Jenn Fessler were also in attendance. Fashion designer Nicole Miller attended to support her boyfriend who was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2013, four years after showing the first symptoms.
While we don’t have a vaccine and a cure for Lyme disease just yet, the Global Lyme Alliance gala not only raised awareness that more needs to be done, but crucially was also a success in raising funds for further research and development. The auction which included a trilogy of sports events, travel experiences and a golf weekend with professional Jimmy Walker, raised more than $1.85 million to advance GLA’s mission.
Pia Toscano (American Idol)
Chris Meloni (Law & Order) and Rosanna Scotto (Good Day New York)
Ashley Loren (Moulin Rouge! The Musical )
