The 5th Annual Aging Mind Foundation Gala was held at The Joule Dallas and raised over $720,000 to find the cause of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Presented by Headington Companies, The Joule and Forty Five Ten, the event kicked off with a cocktail reception followed by a seated dinner with special entertainment by country music singer Jay Allen, a live auction and after party on the Joule Terrace.
Yvonne and Mayo Crum were honored as the 2019 Gala Honorees. Sherwood Wagner served as the Honorary Chair and Kathy Nelson as Gala Chair. Greg Creed, Yum! Brands CEO, acted as Master of Ceremonies and hosted the dinner.
“Over six million Americans are currently battling Alzheimer’s disease and by 2050, that number is expected to increase to 14 million Americans,” said Laree Hulshoff, co-founder of Aging Mind Foundation. “The Gala is our largest fundraiser of the year and since 2013, Aging Mind Foundation has raised more than $2 million to fund high-quality brain research. This year, the event benefits Yale University’s Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair program.”
Guests were treated to exquisite food and drinks created by The Joule culinary team including roasted zucchini and spinach soup with whipped parmesan cream and focaccia croutons; dry aged New York strip with ravioli, broccoli rabe and green peppercorns; and limoncello mousse with a mélange of berries, and a polen fennel cookie.
The Aging Mind live auction gave guests the opportunity to bid on seven fabulous items such as an ultimate staycation at the Joule Hotel; an exclusive golf experience and lunch at the Dallas National Golf Club with Cowboys legend Ed “Too Tall” Jones and former Dallas Maverick all-star Jason “Jet” Terry; a private hunt at Togo Island; a Palm Desert driving experience; a VIP Hollywood trip to attend a taping of “Will & Grace;” private wine tastings and tours of Jean-Charles Boisset Collection in Napa Valley and Delouch Vineyards in Russian River Valley; and an exclusive VIP dinner at AT&T Stadium for the 2019 NFL Season kickoff.
Country singer Jay Allen entertained guests. Among his songs, Allen sang “Blank Stares,” a song he recently wrote and recorded in honor of his mother, who passed away from Alzheimer’s in February.
The evening concluded with a rooftop after-party on The Joule Terrace with the rich elements of the Dallas night sky.
The Joule Hotel was the presenting sponsor for the Aging Mind Gala. Additional sponsors included Headington Companies, Forty Five Ten, Mirador, The Spa at the Joule, CBD Provisions, Midnight Rambler, Wheelhouse, Sassetta, Maestro Dobel Tequila, Genevieve Gurchak, Pogo’s, PaperCity, Heritage Auctions, Thermal Club, BMW Performance Driving School, Jean Charles Boisset Collection in Napa Valley, Raymond Vineyards, Buena Vista Winery, Elleco Construction, Newt Walker Company, Vitro, Home Health Companions, Harbor Chase and Long Cove.
Since the founding in 2013 and with the backing of Michael Tregoning, President of Headington Companies, the Aging Mind Foundation has raised over $2 million to fund high-quality brain research. Alzheimer’s is the fifth leading cause of death for those 65 and older and one of the most expensive diseases in the nation. There is currently no way to prevent, cure or even slow its progression. Aging Mind Foundation is dedicated to supporting research designed to find the cause of the dementias.
For more information on these events and the Aging Mind Foundation, please visit AgingMindFoundation.orgor Facebook.com/AgingMindFoundation.