08/16/2026
Continuing our countdown celebration, ACE is shining a light on another incredible organization making a difference in its community, Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter. đź’ś
The Alzheimer's Association's 2026 Celebrating Hope Gala was a tremendous success thanks to the leadership of two best friends, Barbara Harty and Maria Puntereri, who served as the 2026 Event Co-Chairs.
United by their shared commitment to ending Alzheimer's, after Maria's mother and Barbara's grandfather were both affected by the disease, they brought their passion, vision, and community together for an unforgettable evening. Inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle and the U.S. POINTER Study on brain health and prevention, the gala welcomed more than 250 guests and raised an incredible $975,000, making Celebrating Hope the largest standalone fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter.
At ACE the Event, we're proud to partner with organizations that turn personal stories into lasting impact. Our team and GiveSmart tools helped support the event through promotion, ticketing, sponsorships, auction sales, and a seamless program, allowing the focus to remain on the mission and the hope shared throughout the night.
Congratulations to everyone who made this inspiring event possible. Join the fight to : alz.org/getinvolved. đź’ś