Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Celebrates Next Generation of Alzheimer’s Supporters at Third Annual House of Purple Event

Event Recognized Audrey Peterson with Outstanding Volunteer Award

On Thursday, November 14, the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) hosted its Third Annual House of Purple at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City. The event honored Audrey Peterson, ADDF Young Professionals Committee member and Senior Staff Accountant at Marex, with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her dedication and support of the ADDF’s mission to accelerate the development of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease.

The event was organized by the ADDF Young Professionals Committee (YPC), a group dedicated to making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's for the next generation. This disease not only affects those diagnosed but also their families—children, grandchildren, and all those close to them—and the YPC focuses on building a supportive community with a shared commitment to finding a cure for this devastating disease.

The ADDF’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Roithmayr opened the event with a message of gratitude and hope for the future. “You all represent the next generation of Alzheimer’s advocates and looking out at this crowd I could not be more optimistic for the future,” said Roithmayr. “An organization is only ever as strong as its volunteers and Gina and Josh have done a fabulous job of growing and guiding the YPC, helping to build a strong base of young advocates and supporters for the ADDF.”

YPC Co-Founders and House of Purple Honorary Chairs, Gina Holzheimer and Josh Lauder, noted their pride in the YPC’s role in this progress. “My wonderful co-chair, Gina, and I are constantly in awe of the monumental work done by the ADDF team and the more than 750 projects in our portfolio,” said Lauder. “We founded this humble Young Professionals Committee five years ago to support this great work and it’s a marvel to see it blossom from two dozen people around a little boardroom table in September 2019 to today, with over 400 people here with us tonight for our Third Annual House of Purple!”

Last year’s honoree, Lizzie Toma, introduced Madelyn Peterson Berube, who presented her sister Audrey Peterson with the Outstanding Volunteer Award. Peterson reflected on her deeply personal connection to the ADDF, sharing that her father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the young age of 54. 

“One of the reasons I was drawn to the ADDF is because of their focus on drug development. The work of the ADDF is fundamental – not only for the sake of our grandparents but for the 54-year-old husbands, fathers, wives, and mothers who have been or will be diagnosed with this disease,” said Peterson. “The ADDF’s mission is critical and something everyone in this room should care about. Alzheimer’s is unfortunately not something you should worry about just when you’re old – rather, it could affect you at any time and at any age. While unfortunately, it is too late for my dad, I believe the work the ADDF is doing will lead to a cure so someday, another family doesn’t have to suffer.”

More than 400 guests attended the event, which consisted of curated food stations, dancing to live music and sipping on the signature cocktail, an olive oil martini, complements of ADDF partner Filippo Berio.

Notable guests included Robby Altheim, Charlie Cangro, Richard Chenel, Joel Florin, Michelle Florin, Gina Holzheimer, Aaron Hoyt, Katherine and Josh Lauder, Laura and Gary Lauder, Julie Medler, Julie Nagelberg, Tracey and Scott Peterson, Maggie Sandler, Laura and Steve Toma, Lizzie and Juliet Toma.

Throughout the year, the ADDF YPC hosts social and fundraising events to build a network to support finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. For more information or to learn how to get involved, visit www.alzdiscovery.org/about-addf/young-professionals-committee.