Tad Smith & Sotheby’s Honored at Connoisseur’s Dinner

Ronald S. Lauder, Tad Smith, and Leonard A Lauder. Photo ©Patrick McMullan

On Wednesday, May 10, Tad Smith, President and CEO of Sotheby's, accepted the Chairman’s Award at the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation's (ADDF) Eleventh Annual Connoisseur's Dinner in New York City. The event raised nearly $2.5 million to support Alzheimer's treatments.

Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder, Co-Chairmen of the ADDF, presented the award to Mr. Smith, who accepted on behalf of Sotheby's. The venerable auction house has been the event's partner and host since the first year and a stalwart supporter of Alzheimer’s research. Tad Smith delivered a heartfelt acceptance, telling the audience, "Sotheby's is proud to support the ADDF because this disease impacts us all."

The Connoisseur’s Dinner was hosted by journalist and ADDF Board member Paula Zahn, who shared her own family's "painful journey" with Alzheimer's. Ms. Zahn later joined Andrea Fiuczynski, Executive Vice President and Chairman, Sotheby's Americas, for the dynamic "Fund a Scientist" auction. The auction raised funds for clinical trials of promising Alzheimer's treatments. Clinical trials are the final stages of drug development and thanks to the ADDF's investments, there are more trials than ever before. As ADDF Co-Chairman Leonard A. Lauder told the audience: “We are trying to cure Alzheimer's disease in our lifetime.” All of the night's proceeds—and 100% of every donation made to the ADDF—support drug discovery research for Alzheimer's and related dementias. 

Guests enjoyed a viewing of Sotheby's Spring Impressionist & Modern Art and Contemporary Art sales and wine pairings selected by Jamie Ritchie, CEO & President of Sotheby's Wine. The elegant evening was made possible by Executive Chairs Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder, Judy and Leonard A. Lauder, Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild and Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, Liz and Randal Sandler, and Sotheby's; Founding Chair Nancy Corzine; and sponsors Estée Lauder Companies, Beacon Trust, Bloomberg Philanthropies, EY, J.P. Morgan, Macy's Inc., Mount Sinai, Nucor Construction Company, and Pfizer.