NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Fork It Fund, a program dedicated to advancing transformational research focused on the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementias, brought together supporters, caregivers and friends for Act VI, an evening of music, performance and philanthropy on Thursday, October 8 at Sony Hall in New York City.
The evening raised over $1.2 million for prevention-focused research while recognizing the caregivers and families touched by the disease. Founded in 2019 by Stacy Polley and Daryl and Irwin Simon, the Fork It Fund has raised more than $5 million for research in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s leading nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research.
For Polley, a former Goldman Sachs Partner, Act VI held special meaning. Her acclaimed “Acts” began as a creative passion, rooted in the love of music and theater her father, a musician, nurtured in her from an early age and carried with her throughout her life. As his Alzheimer’s progressed, that passion grew into a mission to fund the research that could spare other families the same experience. Following his passing this past summer, this year’s performance became a tribute to the man who first taught her the joy of the stage.
“My Acts began as something creative and joyful, but as my father’s Alzheimer’s progressed, they came to mean so much more to me,” said Polley. “Act VI was a chance to honor my father, celebrate caregivers like my mother who give so much, and bring people together around a disease that has touched so many families. My hope is that the joy we created together will help fund the science that changes the story for future generations.”
The Fork It Fund’s mission is rooted in the belief that prevention research and early detection are essential. The Fund supports research working to understand how Alzheimer’s can be detected and addressed early, while building a community that raises awareness of steps people can take to support their brain health and lower their risk.
Act VI carried that mission forward, bringing guests together for an evening of connection and remembrance, united by the belief that scientific progress and human connection can change what is possible.
Support Fork it Fund: alz.org/forkit
Link to Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1F1rn3H4ODO3vdagZ6FKAdYpOYdH4N6ey?usp=sharing
Photo Credit:
Kevin Czopek/BFA.com
Madison Voelkel/BFA.com
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
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SOURCE Alzheimer’s Association
