Jane Seymour Princess Yasmin Aga Khan and Jane Seymour

Roger and Robin Meltzer

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan and Robin Meltzer James Keach and Jane Seymour

Margo Catsimatidis

RITA HAYWORTH GALA
Jane Seymour Documenting
Glen Campbell’s Alzheimer’s

STORY AND PHOTOS BY TIM BOXER

J

ANE SEYMOUR, who had two cousins succumb to Alzheimer’s disease, said she’s producing a film documenting singer Glen Campbell’s life as he struggles with the same disease. Her production company, PCH Films, is headed by Seymour, husband James Keach and Trevor Albert.

Keach said that the trio wasn’t sure it was something they wanted to take on. "But the journey we’ve been on has shown us the loving and uplifting of a family."

Albert said they followed a family on their farewell tour. "Hopefully our film will bring more awareness and support for eradicating this disease."

The three were honored at the 2012 Alzheimer’s Association Rita Hayworth Gala at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York. The gala was underwritten by Rolex.

Princess Yasmin Aga Khan established the galas three decades ago as a tribute to her mother, the legendary Hollywood icon Rita Hayworth, who lived with the disease many years until it took her life in 1987. As general chair of the galas, Princess Yasmin helped raise more than $60 million to support the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Rita Hayworth Gala continually draws supporters from the gold-plated pillars of society. The 2012 edition attracted such big ticket names as Ivana Trump, Muffie Potter Aston and Dr. Sherrell Aston, Candace Bushnell, Anne Hearst McInerney and Jay McInerney, Somers and Jonathan Farkas, Susan and John Hess, David Cordani, Brooke Shields, Margo and John Catsimatidis, Art Garfunkel, Alexandra Lebenthal, Sharon Bush, and gala chair Robin Meltzer and many, many more leading lights.

David Cordani, president/CEO of Cigna, also received an award at the dinner. He noted that globally 35 million people are affected by Alzheimer’s.

Bryant Gumbel said the disease took his mother’s speech, memories and finally her life four years ago. He said, "If all you do is all you’ve ever done, then all you will get is what you already have."