Leave it to Leslie Ann Crozier to get her dander up about a problem and do something about it. When Alzheimer’s hit a family members, she did more than just talk to doctors. She put together a foundation — It’s Their Time — and held a splashy get together at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek on Tuesday, May 23 with the likes of Dr. Roger Rosenberg and Pete Delkus. And, boy, did it pay off! Here’s a report from the field:
Established within 116 days ago by founder Leslie Ann Crozier, It’s Their Time held a Kick-Off Celebration on Tuesday, May 23, to a sold-out audience at The Mansion on Turtle Creek. As a result of the event, Dallas’ newest foundation committed to advancing research for Alzheimer’s was able to present a $100,000 grant to award world-renowned Dr. Roger Rosenberg of UT Southwestern Medical Center for his DNA Vaccine.
“It was a magical evening filled with love, laughter, and lots of support. The generosity of all our May 23rd guests including Tom Bevins, Clint Henderson, Anne Lacey, Melissa and Steve Brooks, Dr. Mark Goldberg, Jana Hayes, Nancy Solomon, Diane Depoi and Barbara Moroney was overwhelming. Being able to award Dr. Rosenberg a $100,000 Grant from the evening proceeds exceeded all of our Committee’s expectations, especially given that the Charity is only a couple of months old,” confirmed Leslie Ann Crozier.
Guests enjoyed a festive cocktail celebration filled with lots of surprises . . . and pictures with Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Dallas’ favorite meteorologist, WFAA Pete Delkus, was the evening’s Master of Ceremonies and was welcomed by “thunderous” applause, as the ballroom filled with sounds of thunder and lightning! Pete was to leave halfway through the program to get back to the TV station; however, he was having so much fun that he stayed until the Live Auction and rushed to make the 10:00 p.m. ABC News. During the 10:00pm broadcast, Pete shared fun pictures and evening highlights.
When Leslie took the stage and shared five shocking Alzheimer’s statistics with the audience . . . you could have heard a pin drop. One of the most surprising facts was that women in their 60s are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s during their life as they are to develop breast cancer.
After a powerful video introduction, the evening’s recipient, Dr. Roger Rosenberg, took the stage to a standing ovation. He unveiled his UT Southwestern Medical Center Press Release, sent out just hours earlier, announcing that his DNA Vaccine “is on a shortlist of promising antibody treatments” that may prevent or cure Alzheimer’s.
Popular singer songwriter Aubree-Anna sang “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “Over The Rainbow” as tears flowed throughout the ballroom.
The evening wrapped up with a spectacular Live Auction that included 3 of Leslie’s young 20-something nieces/nephews bidding $8,500 and winning the Lady Gaga Box Suite. The audience was in shock, as Leslie’s nephew, Collin, took the stage and explained that they really only had $85 . . . however his 90-year-old grandparents, who could not attend, bought the package absentee to support the family and the Charity!
The It’s Their Time Committee deserves a heroic round of applause, especially Strategic Planning Chair Steve Crozier, Event Chair Carol Hall, Advertising and Public Relations C0-Chairs Barbara and Stan Levenson and Creative Co-Chairs Alison Wood and Paula Feinberg.
Evening Sponsors whose contributions helped make the evening an even greater success, include:
- Champions of Hope ($10,000) — Lee Bailey, Melissa and Stephen Brooks/Grand Homes and Leslie Ann Crozier
- Advocates for Advanced Research ($5,000) — Chris Bright, Gordy Ceresino, Jana Hayes, Hot On! Homes and Nancy and Gerald Solomon
As the first fundraising chapter comes to a close, It’s Their Time friends and supporters are looking forward to a rewarding journey creating a storybook filled with many more events, and many more memories.
For more information on It’s Their Time or to support It’s Their Time’s ongoing efforts for Advancing Research for Alzheimer’s, visit www.itstheirtime.org.
* Photo provided by It's Their Time