Thursday, May 7, 2026
The Great Ladies Luncheon & Fashion Show, a highlight of Washington’s spring social calendar, brought together a prominent group of donors, policymakers, media figures, and cultural leaders in support of Alzheimer’s research. The event supported the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation’s (ADDF) mission to accelerate the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease, while celebrating the intersection of fashion and innovation, along with philanthropy.
In collaboration with Bloomingdale’s, the lively affair featured a curated runway presentation that blended style with purpose. Elegant, ultra-feminine spring fashions from Altuzarra elevated the luncheon while reinforcing the afternoon’s charitable mission. This year’s gathering boasted a record-breaking $850,000, with guests enjoying gift bags and luxury door prizes from partners including Balian Springs, Isla, and Barry’s.
The program paid tribute to Leonard Lauder, who regarded the legacy of this luncheon with “the greatest ladies in Washington” to be as priceless as his family. He was remembered for his enduring dedication and enthusiasm for the event, which he often described as both an honor and a privilege.
This year’s Great Ladies Award honored Hilarity for Charity, founded by Seth and Lauren Miller Rogen to support family caregivers, promote brain health education, and advance prevention research. Mark Roithmayr, the recently retired ADDF CEO, received the Estelle Gelman Award in recognition of his leadership in expanding the organization’s global reach and impact throughout his career.
Other notable attendees included renowned NBC News anchor Andrea Mitchell, who moderated the annual Symposium to Conquer Alzheimer’s; pioneering neurologist Dr. Richard Isaacson; leading Alzheimer’s neuroscientist Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton; event chairs Elise Lefkowitz and Charlie Lefkowitz; and vice chair Kristen Rae Cecchi.
The ADDF has awarded nearly $300 million to support more than 750 Alzheimer’s drug discovery programs, biomarker initiatives, and clinical trials across 20 countries. To learn more, please visit: www.alzdiscovery.org.
Allyson Burkhardt is founder of Let’s Get Dressed! Image & Style Services. Go to letsgetdresseddc.com to put your best look forward.