A Year of Growth, Generosity, and Groundbreaking Progress Andrea Tallent Spivak
Chief Development Officer, aspivak@cknyc.org
As we look back on all we’ve accomplished together in 2025 so far, we are filled with deep appreciation for the supporters, partners, and volunteers who made this an extraordinary year. Through your generosity, we continue to lead the way in dementia care and support, building a heathier future.
Because of your support, you helped us fund programs that promote not just care, but quality of life—providing families with tools to make brain-healthy choices and access support across every stage of the dementia journey.
Below, we’re proud to share highlights of a truly impactful year so far—including new events, expanded partnerships, and a spectacular Gala.
Corporate Roundtable: Business Leadership Meets Dementia Care
This year’s Annual Meeting in March featured our inaugural Corporate Roundtable, bringing together leaders from healthcare, finance, technology, and media to discuss how companies can better support employees who are also caregivers.
Ideas were shared around dementia education, flexible workplace benefits, and opportunities for corporate engagement. This thoughtful exchange of ideas led to several new partnerships and deeper commitments to CaringKind’s mission—and to brain health as a shared responsibility across all areas of life, including the workplace.
This event emphasized what we already know—caregiving is not just a personal issue; it’s a workplace issue, and businesses have a crucial role to play in driving change.
Caring to Remember Golf Outing: A Strong Debut at Timber Point
In May, CaringKind was fortunate to partner with a very generous donor for the inaugural Caring to Remember Golf Outing at the scenic Timber Point Golf Course on Long Island. The event honored NFL legend, Joe Klecko, and welcomed over 100 golfers for a beautiful day of camaraderie and philanthropy, raising nearly $200,000 to support our programs.
From the shotgun start to the awards dinner, the event offered participants the opportunity to support a cause close to so many hearts. We extend sincere thanks to Joseph Szabo, Gina Bianculli, Maureen Szabo, CaringKind Board member, Patrick Dolan, our generous sponsors, and every participant who helped launch what we hope becomes a new tradition.
The 2025 Forget-Me-Not Gala: A Night of Celebration and Purpose
On Monday, June 9, more than 600 guests gathered at Cipriani 42nd Street for the 2025 Forget-Me-Not Gala, an elegant evening that raised nearly $1.5 million to support our mission of delivering compassionate dementia care and advancing community-based brain health initiatives.
Our Master of Ceremonies, David Hyde Pierce—award-winning actor and longtime CaringKind advocate—brought humor and heartfelt passion to the stage, guiding guests through a powerful program filled with connection, purpose, and impact.
We were proud to honor three visionary leaders:
- Dr. Susan Beane, Executive Medical Director at Healthfirst, for her commitment to equitable, person-centered healthcare and her work to improve dementia care in underserved communities.
- Fern Mallis, fashion industry icon and creator of New York Fashion Week, for her commitment to reducing the stigma and support those impacted by dementia.
- Peter Frischauf, media entrepreneur and long-time CaringKind supporter, for his leadership in public health and caregiver advocacy.
Special guests Emma Heming Willis and Helen Christoni joined us to show their deep commitment to this cause—reminding us that dementia affects not just memory, but identity, relationships, and entire communities.
The evening featured a dazzling performance, a spirited live auction heartfelt tributes to caregivers, and our now-iconic blinking hearts. We are especially grateful to our Gala Board Chair, Linda LaGorga, our incredible Gala Committee, generous sponsors, and our Board of Directors, whose leadership and vision made the evening such a remarkable success.
A look forward: Caring to Remember Cocktail, CaringKind’s New York City Alzheimer’s Walk and our Athletes to End Alzheimer’s
This fall, we are looking forward to the 9th Annual Caring to Remember Cocktail on Thursday, September 18th – hosting over 500 leaders throughout New York City’s real estate industry who are dedicated to see a world without Alzheimer’s and related dementias with a commitment to furthering brain health initiatives. For more information and to join us, please visit C2R.givesmart.com.
And we’re proud to once again invite our community to move for a mission.
We are thrilled for our 37th Annual New York City Alzheimer’s Walk on Saturday, October 18th which brings together more than 2,000 walkers in Central Park for a Brain Health and Wellness Day. This inspiring day brings together families, friends, caregivers, and supporters to honor loved ones and raise critical funds for programs and services that provide care, support, and education to thousands of individuals and families affected by dementia. Walk with us as we celebrate compassion, build community, and move one step closer to a world where no one who faces dementia must walk alone. To register, please visit CKWALK.ORG.
On November 2nd, join us as we cheer on our Athletes to End Alzheimer’s Team at the New York City Marathon—where our community continues to show up with strength, resilience, and determination. Our incredible team conquered the NYC Half Marathon and the TD 5 Boro Bike Tour earlier this year. These events remind us that movement, purpose, and collective action are all part of the foundation for healthy aging and brain wellness. We invite you to join our Team, where your passion for sports meets your commitment to our cause. Visit caringkindnyc.org/athletes to learn more.
On behalf of the entire CaringKind Development team, thank you for making this year of generosity, growth, and meaningful progress. Together, we are creating a future where no one must face Alzheimer’s or dementia alone – and where every act of support helps someone live with dignity, purpose, and connection.
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