ADDF Raises a Record-Breaking $1.5 Million at Seventh Annual Hope on the Horizon Palm Beach Dinner, Supporting Alzheimer’s Research and Drug Development

On March 13, the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) hosted its Seventh Annual Hope on the Horizon Palm Beach Dinner at The Beach Club in Palm Beach, raising a record-breaking more than $1.5 million, and celebrating outstanding achievements in Alzheimer's research. This year’s event honored Nancy Goodes, board member and longtime advocate for the ADDF, for her extraordinary leadership and support of the organization's mission to accelerate the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease. Event co-chairs included Bonnie Lautenberg and Heidi McWilliams. 

Nancy Goodes, along with her husband, ADDF Honorary Board Member Mel Goodes, a distinguished leader in the pharmaceutical industry, has played an instrumental role in propelling the fight against Alzheimer's forward. In 2015, the two established the Melvin R. Goodes Prize for Excellence in Alzheimer’s Drug Development, an award presented annually to a scientist who is pioneering innovative research and making significant contributions to Alzheimer’s drug development.

“Nancy has worked tirelessly to realize her and Mel’s shared vision of ensuring that future generations will not have to suffer from this disease—all while caring for Mel. She has done this with a dignity and grace that is deeply inspiring,” said Leonard A. Lauder, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the ADDF.

“Nancy and Mel have been incredibly important to the ADDF’s success and the huge advancements we have made in the fight against Alzheimer’s,” agreed Ronald S. Lauder, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the ADDF. “When we began our quest 25 years ago, candidly, we were nowhere. But in 25 years, we have made astounding strides.”

“We are supremely grateful for what the ADDF has done for us, and for what the ADDF will do for millions of people in the years to come,” said Goodes. “When it comes to facing Alzheimer’s, all of us are stronger than any one of us.”

The event also featured an in-depth conversation between Dr. Howard Fillit, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of the ADDF, and Dr. Rhoda Au, PhD, MBA, Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, who was recognized as the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Goodes Prize this past fall. Dr. Au is one of the world’s leading experts on digital biomarkers.

As the guest speaker, Dr. Au discussed her pioneering work using technology including smartphones and tablets to collect data on Alzheimer’s-related characteristics. This data can help to detect Alzheimer’s 20 to 30 years before symptoms present, paving the way for early diagnosis and intervention. Her work is part of the ADDF’s Diagnostics Accelerator, which aims to fast-track the development of accessible and non-invasive tools to revolutionize Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment.

The Hope on the Horizon Palm Beach Dinner brought together nearly 300 leaders in science, philanthropy, and community to support the critical work of the ADDF. Funds raised at the event will directly support the ADDF’s mission of accelerating the development of promising treatments for Alzheimer's disease, bringing hope to the millions of individuals and families affected by this devastating illness.

Notable guests in attendance included Leonard Lauder and Judy Glickman Lauder, Jo Carole Lauder, Alina de Almeida, Ricki Gail Conway, Julie Geier, Audrey and Martin Gruss, Eleanora Kennedy, Henry and Marsha Laufer, Bonnie Lautenberg, Larry Leeds and Ginger Feuer Leeds, Ellen Levy, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Heidi and Tom McWilliams, John Paulson, Wilbur and Hilary Geary Ross, Jean Sharf, John and Diane Sculley, Lynn Tishman, among others.