As the Chief Revenue Officer of a wellness media company, The Purist (@ThePurist and ThePuristOnline.com), I first met Eleonora Tornatore Mikesh before she became CaringKind’s CEO, when she worked in the Assisted Living space. Later, I was a part of a marvelous event she organized that included a lecture on mental health and aging at the 92Y just prior to COVID’s arrival in NYC and the shutdown. When it became apparent that Caring Kind’s annual Gala would not take place that June 2020, she asked me to help put together an online-only event, loaded with fun auction items and gift boxes….and thus my deeper involvement with the organization began. 

Thanks to my work life in publishing and business development, advertising, strategic partnerships and marketing, I have had the great pleasure of working with MANY charities. I believe that supporting these wonderful organizations in any way that I can helps me connect to communities, neighbors and causes that mean something to me. Some of these organizations have included The Parrish Art Museum, Solving Kids Cancer, Dubin Breast Center, The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and Hamptons International Film Festival…and now Caring Kind.  

My grandfather had Alzheimer’s and spent the last 7 years of his life at Mary Manning Walsh on York and 72nd Street and it was devastating to see his decline and how it affected our family; in particular, my devoted grandmother, who visited him everyday that he was there. 

What I have come to love about Caring Kind and what I believe sets it apart is CONNECTION. Once a part of the community, you become a part of a great collective force, filled with scientists, patients, philanthropists, artists, businesses, volunteers from all walks of life, and the incredible care givers, all working to support a very special organization. Caring Kind works to erase the stigma associated with memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s, humanizes the conditions of the afflicted and gives strength to their care givers with support, education, and compassion. I am proud to be a part of the 100 Women of Impact initiative.