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Thank you to all those who supported the Illusions of Lyme Gala held on April 2, 2011 in Stamford, CT. In total, over 500 guests were in attendance for this magical evening.
Special thanks to:
Ally Hilfiger—Recipient of the TFL Star Light Award
Karen Newell and Richard Gerstner—Recipients of the Lauren F. Brooks Hope Award
Scott Mitchell—Event Chair
Dave Price—Emcee
Julia Knox & Linda Huston—Event Co-Committee Chairs
Nearly 500 guests attended Time for Lyme's gala, "Illusions of Lyme," held recently at the Hilton in Stamford.
The event, which raised more than $800,000 to fund research and a cure for Lyme and tick-borne illness, featured world-renowned performer and illusionist Shimshi, a live and silent auction, and entertainment by the Glamazons and the band, Downtown Fever.
Time for Lyme recently held its gala, “Illusions for Lyme,” to raise funds for research toward a cure for Lyme disease and tick-borne illness. At the event, from left, Greenwich resident and gala co-chair Julia Knox, organization co-founder and Greenwich resident Diane Blanchard, Star Light honoree Ally Hilfiger, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Greenwich resident and gala co-chair Linda Huston, and Time for Lyme co-founder and Greenwich resident Debbie Siciliano.
Photo: Contributed Photo / Greenwich Citizen |
Ally Hilfiger received the organization's first-ever Star Light Award for her advocacy and for stepping forward as a role model for young people afflicted with Lyme disease. Her goal, she said, is to inspire people not to give up hope through their struggle with debilitating symptoms. Despite her 18-year battle with Lyme, Hilfiger, 26, the daughter of fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger, recently launched her own fashion line, NAHM. "I am honored to be considered a role model and to help in any way I can," said Hilfiger.
Awarded with the Lauren F. Brooks Hope award were Richard Gerstner and Dr. Karen Newell, who have each made an unfaltering commitment to research in the quest for a cure for Lyme.
Gerstner faced an excruciating battle with the disease during his tenure at IBM and subsequent career in the venture capital arena. He discovered the work Newell had done on behalf of AIDS at Texas A&M University and funded her to apply her groundbreaking work for Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Newell's work may unlock the mystery of why many people remain sick years after they are bitten by a tick.
"I am thrilled with this year's turnout," said Deb Siciliano, one of Time for Lyme's co-founders. "Because of our supporters, we raised a significant amount of funding for research -- and importantly, awareness."
Scott Mitchell, of Richards on Greenwich Ave., chaired the event, which was emceed by television personality and former weatherman Dave Price. Gala co-chairs were Greenwich residents Linda Huston and Julia Knox.
Time for Lyme co-founder Diane Blanchard said the event exceeded her expectations. "I think people are finally getting it," she said. "After years of misdiagnosis, Lyme disease is finally getting the wide-spread recognition it should."
Time for Lyme holds support groups at Greenwich Town Hall. For more information on the organization and on Lyme and tick-borne disease, visit timeforlyme.org or call 203-969-1333.
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Ally Hilfiger is joined by her father, Tommy Hilfiger, at the recent “Illusions of Lyme” gala held by Time for Lyme at the Hilton in Stamford. Ally, who has battled Lyme for 18 years, was awarded the organization’s first-ever Star Light Award for her advocacy and for stepping forward as a role model for young people afflicted with the disease.
Photo: Contributed Photo / Greenwich Citizen |
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Richard (Dick) Gerstner and Dr. Karen Newell received the Lauren F. Brooks Hope award at Time for Lyme’s recent gala, “Illusions of Lyme,” held at the Hilton in Stamford for their steadfast commitment to offering hope for people struggling with Lyme disease. Gerstner, who has battled with Lyme for more than 20 years, collaborated with Newell, of Texas A & M University, and funded her to apply her groundbreaking research to make strides toward a cure.
Photo: Contributed Photo / Greenwich Citizen
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Time for Lyme Thanks its Supporters.
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