The 33rd Annual Rita Hayworth Gala

“When you're in love you're living, you matter” is a famous Rita Hayworth quote. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan shows her love for what matters each year by honoring her mother Rita Hayworth who died from Alzheimer's. On Tuesday evening, October 25th, 2016, The 33rd Annual Rita Hayworth Gala was held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

As Gala General Chair and Founder of the Rita Hayworth Galas in New York, Chicago and Palm Beach, Princess Aga Khan has raised over $70 million to support the Alzheimer Association inititative to eliminate the disease and provide support and care to the affected and their loved ones.

The elegant black tie affair sponsored by Rolex began with guests greeted by waiters with flutes of champagne. Hors d'oeuvres of beets with fava beans, lamb chops, lobster salad cups and spring rolls. Two open bars flanked the silent auction featuring must haves of a walk on film role in the upcoming superstar ensemble Ocean’s Eight, a day with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a Judith Leiber Clutch, Lunch with Nicole Miller and a Shopping Spree, Luxurious Day at The CORE Club, Snowy Retreat in Vail at the Arrabelle, Two Night Stay at Grace Bay Club Turks & Caicos, Two Tickets to Naeem Khan's Fall 2017 Fashion Show, diamond and gold jewelry from Roberto Coin, Court-side Action with Two Knicks Tickets, one Match of Tennis with John McEnroe or Travel on the Brooklyn Nets Team Plane.

USA Network’s 'Suits" star Sarah Rafferty was the evening's emcee who shared her grandmother’s struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan introduced 2016 Gala Chair Karyn Kornfeld who has a long family history of passionate commitment to the cause motivated by the lost of their powerhouse grandmother.

President of HSN and chief marketing officer at HSNi, Bill Brand, was honored with The Rita Hayworth Award for his commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s and raising awareness. Brand proudly shared that HSN has just surpassed the $1 million mark in funds raised for the Alzheimer’s Association during their 5 year partnership with the organization. Brand was introduced by long-time supporter and friend of the Alzheimer’s Association Mindy Grossman, CEO of HSNi.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman introduced hockey legend and President of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brendan Shanahan who received the Champion Award. Brendan lost his father Donal Shanahan, to Alzheimer’s while in the early stages of his career. Shanahan’s 2013 Hockey Hall of Fame speech was dedicated to his father. He thanked the sports community for their generosity to the cause and presence for the evening.

A sumptuous dinner was served of a starter salad of endive, avocado, chickpeas and shaved Parmesan followed by Wagyu Strip Loin Steak with potatoe dauphinoise and baby carrots tied with leeks. Dessert was an enviable choice between Zabaglione cake with fresh berries or three Chocolate Parfait. Hugh Hildesley, the Vice Chairman of Sotheby’s, hosted the evening’s live auction which included a custom Domingo Zapata painting, Beauty and the Beast Hollywood movie premiere and exclusive after party and a Huntsman & Ed Ruscha One-of-a-Kind Evening Jacket & Studio Visit. Once The Elements began to perform the ballroom floor was energized with dancing. Departing gala attendees left with gift bags filled with swag from Peter Thomas Skincare, Chat Noir, Perfumania, and HSN.

Glamorous gala attendees included talk show host Wendy Williams, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, TV personality and style expertRobert Verdi, fashion designers Nicole Miller and Zang Toi, Sharon Bush, Tony and Pamela Peck, Randi Schatz, Margo and John Catsimatidis, Liliana Cavendish, Hilary Dick, Diandra de Morrell Douglas, Somers and Jonathan Farkas, Anne and Jay McInerney, Robin Meltzer.