PLEASE CLICK: THIS IS OUR MOMENT
(Note: contributions can only be made using a US or Canadian address)

By MALIK MERCHANT
Publisher/Editor Simerg, Barakah and Simergphotos, Barakah 

In loving memory of her mother Ms. Rita Hayworth, whose life was cut short due to Alzheimer’s, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan has for four decades sought to raise awareness about the disease and has also raised tens of millions of dollars by hosting the Rita Hayworth Galas through the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. These gala events as well as related functions have been held in many cities across the USA, with the major ones being the annual Galas in New York (founded in 1984, and now known as The Imagine Benefit) and Chicago (1987). The next Rita Hayworth Gala with the theme “This Is Our Moment” is scheduled to be held at the Chicago Hilton on Saturday April 23, 2022 as an in-person event that will be attended by Princess Yasmin herself.

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Recently, Simerg’s sister website Barakah published a special piece entitled Yasmin Aga Khan: A Princess With a Mission that profiled the Princess as well as presented details about the upcoming Chicago Gala. Now, with a few days remaining before the Rita Hayworth Gala in Chicago, I make a personal appeal to all readers and subscribers of the 3 websites, namely Simerg, Barakah and Simergphotos, as well as my friends on the social media, to consider participating in Princess Yasmin’s gallant and noble initiative to win the fight against Alzheimer’s. I might note that the disease affects hundreds of members of the Ismaili Jamat in North America, and probably thousands more in other countries around the world. Alzheimer’s has a considerable impact on everyone supporting those afflicted with it, and is regarded by medical experts as “one of the saddest diseases in existence.”

I am proud to note that since the mid 1990’s Princess Yasmin’s initiatives through the Alzheimer’s Association, have been faithfully championed and supported by my dear Ismaili friend in Chicago, Sadruddin Noorani. He has held important honorary positions within the Association both as a member of its executive team as well as a benefactor. Noorani, writing in Barakah’s recent piece, noted: “It has been my honour and privilege to have been involved with the Rita Hayworth Gala for more than 25 years, and I am truly humbled by this opportunity that has come into my life, to be associated directly with the work of a beloved member of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s family.”

In recognition of Noorani’s incredible support since the mid 1990’s, the Alzheimer’s Association has designated a special page under his name, where donations specifically to the Rita Hayworth Gala can be made (note: contributions can only be made using a US or Canadian address). Kindly note that all donations to the Rita Hayworth Gala and any tickets purchased for the gala are processed through the industry leading fundraising platform GiveSmart exclusively for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Once a contribution is made of any amount, small or big — and I emphasize no amount, even $5.00, is ever small — the “Contributor’s Name” or the word “Anonymous” (if the donor chooses to stay anonymous) will be displayed on the page along with the amount contributed. While Noorani may have set a goal of $ US 10,000.00 (ten thousand), I sincerely hope we can get close to the number or perhaps even exceed the amount, which I personally consider to be an arbitrary number. Above all, your contribution of any amount as well as an awareness and understanding of the disease are extremely important.

I ask all of you to do what you can for this extraordinary cause that is close to the heart of Princess Yasmin. As of April 24 $ US 10,155.00 has been raised through Simerg and Barakah as well as personal efforts of Mr. Noorani, whose involvement with Princess Yasmin and the Alzheimer’s Association has been noted above. Make your contribution for any amount that fits within your budget by clicking on THIS IS OUR MOMENT.

As Princess Yasmin noted in her remarks at the New York Imagine Benefit Gala last November, “The fight to end Alzheimer’s hasn’t stopped, and neither have we.” Let us heartily join Princess Yasmin in her fight to combat Alzheimer’s, and make sure our future generations and our loved ones do not have to live and cope with one of the saddest of all the diseases.

Once again, I sincerely look forward to your interest in this initiative. Please click THIS IS OUR MOMENT (note: contributions can only be made using a US or Canadian address).

Date posted: April 16, 2022.
Last updated: April 24, 2022 (10:21 AM EDT).

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Before departing this website please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and Simergphotos. Simerg’s editor may be reached at mmerchant@simerg.com