TACKLING LYME DISEASE

GLOBAL LYME ALLIANCE: 2022 Gala Raises Funds To Tackle The Disease

By Elizabeth Darwen
Photos: Jared Siskin/PMC/Getty Images / Rob Berry/BFA

Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), the leading nonprofit dedicated to conquering Lyme and other tick-borne diseases held the GLA GLOBAL GALA 2022 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

The event raises Lyme disease awareness and funds for research to improve diagnostics and treatments and ultimately find a cure for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. The spectacular and one-of-a-kind gala was a night to remember for invited celebrities, business leaders, and top scientists alike. GLA has gained national prominence for funding some of the most urgent and promising research while expanding education and awareness programs for the general public and physicians.  

The evening’s honored guests included Kim and Atty Cleworth, A mother and daughter who have been impacted by Lyme. They are also Executive Producers of the film, I’m Not Crazy I’m Sick. An exclusive preview was shown to the audience of the documentary about their struggle.  

A highlight of New York’s philanthropic calendar, this year’s event raised more than $1.85 million to advance GLA’s mission to conquer Lyme. A live auction led by Jason Lamoreaux auctioned items including a trilogy of sports events, travel experiences and a golf weekend with PGA Professional Jimmy Walker, which ended up being auctioned off twice, thanks to Jimmy’s generosity. 

The evening program began with cocktails and dinner, a video contribution by Debbie Gibson, and speech by Broadway Star Ashley Loren, on the impact that Lyme disease has had on their lives. The event was hosted by master of ceremonies Rosanna Scotto, Co-Host of FOX 5 Good Day New York. The evening also featured an exceptional live performance by Recording Artist Pia Toscano and later in the night, Erich Bergen, Star of Madam Secretary and both the stage and screen versions of Jersey Boys.

Celebrated event planner Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events produced the gala experience by donating his designs and décor to the virtuous cause for the fourth year in a row, showcasing his long-standing dedication to the Lyme community.

Other notable attendees included Erich Bergen, Pia Larry Scott (Lawrence Scott Events), Ashley Loren (Broadway star), Chris Meloni (Actor), Kelley Flanagan and Peter Weber (TV’s The Bachelor), Margaret Josephs and Joe Benigno (Real Housewives of New Jersey), Dolores Catania (Real Housewives of New Jersey), Jennifer Fessler, Nicole Miller (Fashion designer), Lindsay Solmer (Influencer), Alexa Laura (Influencer), Gina Valles (Influencer), Mar Jennings (TV show host), Jon James Stavola (Artist).  

The Co-Chairs for the event include Rose Anastasio, Amy Balducci, Charles Balducci, Diane M. Blanchard, Robert Kobre, Brett Kristoff, Jarrod Nadel, Lorrie Nadel, Paul B. Ross, Larry Scott, Erin Walker and Jimmy Walker.  

The event brought together a number of sponsors in support of the GLA’s efforts. The Underwriter of the Global Gala was the Ackerley Family Foundation. Diamond Sponsors included Karen and Bob Kelly, David P. Nolan Charitable Fund. Platinum Sponsors were Robert and Nancy Del Genio, Robert and Cheryl Kobre, Steven and Clarissa Lefkowitz, Malcolm and Dana McAvity. Gold Sponsors included Steph and Tim Busch, Kenzie and Collin Vath, Cahill Gordon and Reindell LLP, CBRE, Cravath, Swaine and Moore LLP, Credit Suisse, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, Brett & Mark Kristoff, Latham & Watkins LLP, Lois J. Liberman & Paul B. Ross, Milbank LLP, Brent & Regan Patry, The Peetz Family Fund and the Quidel Corporation.  

For more information on Global Lyme Alliance, visit GLA.org