Fabrizio Freda and The Estée Lauder Companies Honored at Connoisseur’s Dinner

On Thursday, May 3, Fabrizio Freda, President and CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies, accepted the Chairman’s Award at the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation’s Annual Connoisseur’s Dinner in New York City. The event raised $2.6 million for Alzheimer’s research.

The elegant evening marked the 20^th anniversary of the ADDF, which was founded by Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder. Leonard Lauder gave a rousing speech welcoming guests: “At our first gala, I said my promise was that we will cure this disease. And thanks to all of you, we will do it!”

Ronald Lauder noted: “The bold choices we made 20 years ago have changed the face of Alzheimer’s research.” Today, there are more potential treatments for Alzheimer’s in clinical trials than ever before, and nearly a quarter of them made it that far thanks to funding from the ADDF.

That progress is a testament to our incredible partners. Mr. Freda, in his gracious acceptance, said: “Our company’s support of the ADDF reflects our family values—and our belief that corporations can’t just stand aside and depend on others to change things. With a billion of the world’s people now at risk of Alzheimer’s, we have chosen to act, inspired by the vision and commitment of Ronald and Leonard Lauder.”  

The Connoisseur’s Dinner was hosted by journalist and ADDF Board member Paula Zahn. Ms. Zahn was joined at the event by her fellow Board members Carol Seabrook Boulanger, Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton, Charles Cangro, Nancy Corzine, Nancy Goodes, Dr. Allan Green, Christopher Johnson, Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg, Larry Leeds, Tom McWilliams, Julie Medler, Dr. Pamela Newman, Phebe Farrow Port, Sharon Sager, Sally Susman, and Stephen Toma. Additional guests included Rose Marie Bravo and William Jackey, Alina Cho, Michael Clinton, John Demsey, Paul Fribourg, Ellery and Marjorie Reed Gordon, Marlene Hess and James Zirin, Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Eleanora Kennedy, Aerin Lauder, Jane Lauder, Jo Carole Lauder, Judy Glickman Lauder, William Lauder and Lori Tritsch, Donald E. Newhouse, Barry Sternlicht, Ann and Andrew Tisch, and George Vradenburg

The stylish event began with a cocktail hour and preview of Sotheby’s spring sales. During dinner, guests enjoyed wine pairings selected by Sotheby’s and the lively “Fund a Scientist” auction led by David Pollack, Vice President, Specialist, Old Master Paintings, Sotheby’s New York. The auction raised funds for gene therapy for Alzheimer’s. All the event’s proceeds—and 100% of every donation made to the ADDF—support research to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease.