Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Honors Gina Holzheimer of J.P. Morgan at Inaugural House of Purple Event

Next generation of Alzheimer’s advocates comes together to support innovative science

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) hosted its First Annual House of Purple event on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. Gina Holzheimer, Vice President at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the ADDF Young Professionals Committee, and member of the ADDF Board of Overseers, was honored with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her advocacy and dedication to the ADDF’s mission of developing drugs to treat, prevent, 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. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impacts not only patients but entire families, which is why the YPC has dedicated their efforts to advancing drug research and development. The YPC also focuses on Alzheimer’s prevention, which is a critical part of fighting the disease as studies have shown 40% of dementia cases can be prevented through modifiable lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise.

Chief Executive Officer of the ADDF Mark Roithmayr opened the event, addressing the hope today’s robust Alzheimer’s pipeline and advancing diagnostic tools provide for the generations to come. “At the ADDF, we are working to address the causes underneath the ‘scab’ of Alzheimer’s disease. By the time everyone here tonight has reached old age, I can confidently say you will not have to worry about losing your memories due to this disease. And that is thanks in part to the wonderful leadership of our YPC co-founders Gina and Josh, and to all of you for making this event such a success.”

Chris Johnson, CEO of Rackson Restaurants and Chair of the ADDF Board of Overseers, added his congratulations to the Young Professionals Committee on their inaugural event and their efforts on behalf of the ADDF. “Tonight’s event is a wonderful testament to the leadership of our incredible YPC co-founders and the group’s collective commitment to curing Alzheimer’s disease. It is amazing to see the growth the YPC has achieved in just a few years, and I know it will continue to grow and evolve thanks to the strong foundation that has been built and the dedication of its members.”

The Outstanding Volunteer Award was presented by Josh Lauder, who founded the Young Professionals Committee along with Ms. Holzheimer and serves on the ADDF’s Board of Overseers. “My family and I are very passionate about the ADDF, and it is gratifying to see such tremendous progress in the development of diagnostics, prevention strategies, and ultimately drugs and therapies to treat Alzheimer’s. Co-leading the Young Professionals Committee with a wonderful partner like Gina has been incredibly meaningful to me. I am so grateful for the time, energy, and talent she has brought to this organization.”

“I am truly grateful to be the honoree of our First Annual House of Purple,” said Ms. Holzheimer, accepting the award. “Josh and I started the YPC in 2019 with the goal of creating a community of the next generation of advocates who have not only been impacted by Alzheimer’s but also care deeply about finding new therapies to cure this devastating disease. I chose to volunteer my time with the ADDF because I believe they will find the right combination of drugs to treat, prevent and cure Alzheimer’s.”

Notable guests including Alissa Anderegg, Lili Buffet, Charlie Cangro, Michelle Florin, Stephanie and Ian Ginsberg, Gina Holzheimer, Chris Johnson, Gary, Laura, Josh, Katherine and Eliana Lauder, Julie Medler, Laura and Steve Toma, and Wendy Wilshin and Ron Dickerman were among those in attendance.