Forget-Me-Not Alzheimer's Benefit Will Honor Laurie Metcalf and THE OTHER PLACE

The Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter announced today that the 2013 Creative Leadership Award will be presented to Tony nominee, Laurie Metcalf and Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway production of "The Other Place" at its annual "Forget-Me-Not" Gala, An Evening to End Alzheimer's taking place on Monday, June 3, 2013 at The Pierre. The Chapter will recognize Metcalf's brilliant performance in a drama that movingly - and realistically - portrays the devastating emotional impact of early onset dementia. Metcalf is extraordinary as a physician struggling with the challenges and frustrations of declining cognition and family conflict. More than five hundred members of New York City's philanthropic, business, health care, theater, and Alzheimer's communities will gather for this annual benefit that will raise $1.2 million to support programs, services and research to benefit the New York City Alzheimer's community.

Renowned star of stage and screen Victor Garber, who most recently appeared in Argo, winner of this year's Academy Award for Best Picture, will emcee the event. An ardent supporter of the Chapter, he lost both parents to complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Tony Award winner David Hyde Pierce, a tireless advocate in the Alzheimer's community and recipient of last year's Lifetime Leadership Award, will also attend the event. He serves on the Board of the National Alzheimer's Association and as a national spokesperson. His father and grandfather died from the disease.

Christian G. Heilmann, Chief Fiduciary Executive, U.S. Trust, will receive the Chapter's Community Leadership Award for his commitment to addressing the issues of eldercare that are so prominent in today's family dynamics and his leadership in developing the firm's recently introduced Eldercare Planning program.

Two members of the Chapter's Junior Committee, Preeti Ashok Parasharami and Mikhail Raybshteyn, both Ernst & Young employees, will receive the Chapter's Young Leadership Award for actively promoting the Chapter's programs and raising awareness about Alzheimer's and dementia.

"The Other Place" was produced on Broadway by Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer). The production played a critically acclaimed, extended engagement at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. "The Other Place" had its world premiere in 2011 at MCC Theater (Robert LuPone, Bernard Telsey, William Cantler, Artistic Directors; Blake West, Executive Director), where it was nominated for two Outer Critics Circle Awards, a Drama League Award, and three Lucille Lortel Awards. Metcalf was recently honored with a Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Play and previously won an Obie Award and a Lucille Lortel Award for her performance.

"We have been fortunate to have the long-time friendship and support of David and Victor and are grateful to honor new friends, Laurie Metcalf and the Broadway production of "The Other Place," said Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter. "Lending their voice and talent, they have given us a powerful platform to spread awareness about this devastating disease. We urge others to join them and us as we contemplate a future in which, if no cure is found one out of every five New York City residents will either have Alzheimer's or be taking care of someone who does."

The "Forget-Me-Not" Gala will offer a cocktail reception, silent and live auction and dinner and dancing to Valerie Romanoff's Starlight Orchestra. The Gala will be chaired by NYC Chapter Board Member, Lori Oscher Friedman and her husband Eric Friedman, Executive Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP & Associates.

Tickets start at $1,250 and are now on sale. To purchase a ticket for more information, visit www.alz.org/nyc or contact Karen Holland at kholland@alznyc.org or at 646-744-2998.