Photo Flash: David Hyde Pierce and More Attend Alzheimer's Association's 2014 FORGET-ME-NOT Gala

Members of New York City's philanthropic, business, health care and Alzheimer's communities joined forces on June 2nd at the annual "Forget-Me-Not" Gala, An Evening to End Alzheimer's hosted by the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter. The Chapter raised $1.2 million at this year's event, which took place at The Pierre and was emceed by David Hyde Pierce, Tony Award winning actor and tireless advocate in the Alzheimer's community. The gala was chaired by Jeff Gitlin, Principal, Leader of PwC Health. Scroll down for a photo!

Actor Dominic Chianese was honored with the Chapter's Creative Leadership Award for his work as the founder of the "Joy Through Art" foundation, a nonprofit organization that brings professional artists trained in music and theater into nursing homes across the City. Chianese was previously honored by the Chapter for his riveting and realistic portrayal of dementia sufferer Uncle Junior on the hit HBO series The Sopranos.

EmblemHealth, a New York City-based health insurer and wellness company, was presented with the Chapter's Community Leadership Award for its innovation to bring a new model of care - EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care - to New York's diverse communities. Located in Harlem, Cambria Heights, Queens, and Chinatown, EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care is an inviting place where the community is welcomed to meet face-to-face with EmblemHealth professionals to ask questions, get reliable information and have a problem solved. Accepting on behalf of EmblemHealth was Charlene Maher, Chief Marketing Officer, EmblemHealth.

Also on hand to support the Chapter were actor Victor Garber, who lost both parents to complications from Alzheimer's disease, and Marin Mazzieand Jason Danieley, who appeared together on Broadway in Next To Normal. Dr. Max Gomez, CBS 2 Medical Reporter, recipient of the Chapter's Public Awareness Award at the Gala in 2011, was also in attendance. In addition, Prince Amukamara, starting cornerback for the New York Giants, attended the gala with his wife, Pilar, whose father has early onset Alzheimer's.

Distinguished members of the research and medical community including Dr. Peter Davies, Dr. Mony de Leon, Dr. Steven Ferris, Dr. James Galvin, Dr. Jose Luchsinger, Dr. James Noble, Dr. Mary Sano, and Dr. Thomas Wisniewski were also on hand. The Chapter also recognized Tina Calabro and Christopher Mitsis, the children of Chapter friend, Dr. Effie Mitsis, who passed away after a distinguished career as an Alzheimer's disease clinician and research scientist.

Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter, said, "If you look around the room tonight, you'll see doctors and scientists, actors and actresses, a football player, a news reporter, leaders in the business industry, and caregivers. This tells you that no one is immune to the impact of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. This disease affects all of us in some way and we each have a role to play in making this a world without Alzheimer's. So, I thank all of you for stepping up and lending your voice and support to our cause. Together, we are making a difference."

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio all wrote letters in support of tonight's "Forget-Me-Not" Gala.

"I applaud the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter for its commitment to raising awareness about Alzheimer's and for providing the knowledge and resources that are so greatly needed. While we work to find a cure, events such as this, illuminate hope and gratefulness for those who have contributed so much to make these services a reality for many families," wrote Senator Schumer.

In writing about the Chapter, Governor Cuomo said, "Since 1980, this remarkable enterprise has been finding creative and individualized ways to mitigate the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's. Everyone affiliated with the Association's New York City Chapter - health care professionals, staff, administration, friends, and benefactors - can take tremendous pride in their compassionate and determined support of these critical efforts to understand and control the advancement of Alzheimer's disease."

Mayor de Blasio wrote, "Since its founding, the Association has supported patients and their families and caregivers, while also working to advance research initiatives searching for new treatments. Tonight's gala is a wonderful opportunity to applaud the Alzheimer's Association for its unwavering efforts to find a cure and also to renew our shared commitment to building a healthier future for all our residents."

The evening offered a cocktail reception, spectacular silent and live auctions, and dinner and dancing to Hank Lane Music and Productions with Harris Lane, band leader. The live auction was led by Jamie Niven, Chairman, the Americas, Sotheby's. This year's live auction raised a record-breaking $176,000.

Photo Credit: Ronald L. Glassman