Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Celebrates Next Generation of Alzheimer’s Advocates at Second Annual House of Purple Event

Lizzie Toma honored with Outstanding Volunteer Award

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) hosted its Second Annual House of Purple on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City. The event honored Lizzie Toma, ADDF Young Professionals Committee Membership Committee Lead and Partnerships Account Manager in Global Partnerships at Sotheby’s, with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her leadership and dedication the ADDF’s mission to accelerate the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease.

The event was hosted by the ADDF Young Professionals Committee (YPC), a group of individuals focused on making an impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s, which affects not only those who are diagnosed, but also their children, grandchildren, and all those around them. The YPC centers on creating a community for the next generation who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s in their families and are committed to finding a cure for this devastating disease.

The ADDF’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Roithmayr opened the event with a message of hope. “At the ADDF, we have spent the past 25 years investing in the most promising Alzheimer’s research around the world and this year we have seen some truly game-changing breakthroughs. Because of all this work, I can confidently say we will have multiple effective treatments within my lifetime, and my children and grandchildren will not have to worry about Alzheimer’s.”

YPC Co-Founders and House of Purple Honorary Chairs, Gina Holzheimer and Josh Lauder, noted their pride at the YPC’s role in this progress. “From the first small group that met in September 2019 to today, with over 400 people joining us for this event, the YPC has grown exponentially. But our core values have remained the same – which means no matter how large we grow, we’ll always be bonded over our shared passion for igniting change and conquering Alzheimer’s disease,” said Lauder.

“It’s an incredible feeling to know multiple treatments for this disease are within reach and that the YPC has been able to support this work. We have grown so much in only a few years, and we really are making an impact,” added Holzheimer.

The Outstanding Volunteer Award was presented by Stephen Toma, member of the ADDF’s Board of Overseers and father of the event’s honoree. “I am proud to present this award to my daughter, Lizzie. Watching her become involved with the ADDF in her own way, take on the responsibility of leadership, and dedicate her tremendous tenacity and talent to a cause that we share a deep appreciation for has been incredibly meaningful.”

“It is with immense gratitude and humility that I accept this award on behalf of my fellow Young Professionals Committee members,” said Lizzie Toma. “I feel so lucky to be a part of an incredible and impactful group working towards one mission: developing drugs to cure Alzheimer’s disease. I am proud of how far we have come, and I am beyond excited for us to build upon House of Purple’s success, both this year, and every year to come!”

Notable guests included Charlie Cangro, Richard Chenel, Joel Florin, Stephanie and Ian Ginsberg, Gina Holzheimer, Kiera and Chris Johnson, Katherine and Josh Lauder, Laura and Gary Lauder, Julie Medler, Laura and Steve Toma, and Lizzie Toma.