Kickoff Builds Anticipation For Alzheimer's Association 2009 Gala

[All photos by JONATHON ZIEGLER for PMc]. Yesterday evening, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Alexandra Lebenthal, Muffie Potter Aston, Naeem Khan, John Catsimatidis, Bryant Gumbel, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Somers Farkas, Barbara Bancroft and Douglas Marshall were among those gathered for the kickoff party in anticipation of "So Near and Yet So Far," this year's Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala. At Naeem Khan's Saks Fifth Avenue boutique, those dressed to the nines enjoyed the buildup for the October 27th event. A tradition having raised more than $53 million to support the charity, the fundraiser began in 1985, as Princess Yasmin's tribute to her actress mother.

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Alexandra Lebenthal, Muffie Potter Aston, Lonnie Wollin, Jennifer Wollin

Hilary Gumbel, Bryant Gumbel, Muffie Potter Aston, Ranjara Khan, Naeem Khan, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan

John Catsimatidis, John Catsimatidis Sr., Andrea Catsimatidis, John Catsimatidis Jr.

Steve Sadove, Bryan Mathias, Somers Farkas, Mark Gilbertson, Hilary Dick

Lady Liliana Cavendish, Stuart Sundlun, Georgette Mosbacher, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, Cornelia Bregman

Deborah Grubman, Prudence Solomon, Barbara Bancroft, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan

Allen Brill, Colette Bennett, Anne Citrin, Chele Chiavacci

Chris Cox, Andrea Catsimatidis, Jenn Falik, Catherine Hooper, Douglas Marshall

Jody Weissman, Dr. Georgia Witkin, Ranjana Khan, Naeem Khan