The 9th Annual GLA Gala Shines a Spotlight on Lyme Disease Awareness and Research

Global Lyme Alliance's (GLA) mission is to cure Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through innovative research, awareness, and empowering the patient voice.

On Wednesday, October 9th, the highly anticipated 9th Annual GLA Gala, a unique platform uniting leaders in business, entertainment, and science, was held at Cipriani 25 Broadway in Manhattan. The inspiring event supported GLA’s mission to conquer Lyme disease and honored 2024 Honorees: Peter Thomas Roth, Lyme warrior and CEO of Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skin Care; Visionary Leadership Awardee Robert Kobre, GLA Chairman Emeritus; and Kelly Hero Awardee Dr. Jeffrey Morrison. Hosted by Good Day New York’s Rosanna Scotto, the gala also featured a speech from GLA ambassador and Law & Order star Christopher Meloni, culminating with a show-stopping performance by musical icon Sheila E.

The Global Lyme Alliance Board of Directors gathers on the red carpet at the 9th Annual GLA Gala, celebrating a successful evening dedicated to raising awareness and support for Lyme disease research

Event designer Larry Scott showcases the breathtaking decor at the 9th Annual GLA Gala, transforming the venue into a stunning setting that elevated the evening’s celebration of Lyme disease research and awareness.

Katya Tolstova poses in the stunning room designed by Larry Scott Events at the 9th Annual GLA Gala, showcasing the elegant ambiance of the evening

GLA Ambassador Christopher Meloni at the 9th Annual GLA Gala

GLA Ambassador and Lyme+ podcast host Dan Wagner joins Z3lla Music on the red carpet at the 9th Annual GLA Gala, celebrating an evening dedicated to raising awareness and support for Lyme disease research

Honoree Peter Thomas Roth, founder of Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skin Care and a Lyme warrior, delivers his speech

Bob Kelly presents Dr. Jeffrey Morrison with the prestigious Kelly Hero Award at the 9th Annual GLA Gala, honoring his exceptional contributions to Lyme disease research and patient care

GLA Ambassador Christopher Meloni with GLA Chairman Paul Ross, Rob Kobre, recipient of the Visionary Leadership Award, and Ashley Kobre at the 9th Annual GLA Gala, celebrating an evening dedicated to advancing Lyme disease research and awareness

A packed house at the 9th Annual GLA Gala listens intently as GLA Ambassador Christopher Meloni delivers a powerful speech

Board member Kenzie Vath delivers an inspiring speech on behalf of GLA Board of Directors at the 9th Annual GLA Gala, sharing the organization’s commitment to advancing Lyme disease research, raising awareness, and empowering patients in their fight against tick-borne diseases.

Sheila E, the Queen of Percussion performs

Rosanna Scotto, host of Good Day New York, served as the charismatic Master of Ceremonies at the 9th Annual GLA Gala, leading the evening with grace and energy in support of Lyme disease research and awareness.

Christopher Meloni and auctioneer Jason Lamoreaux energized the crowd during the live auction, raising crucial funds for Lyme disease research and awareness. Exclusive auction experiences included trips to Scotland and Southern California, a meet-and-greet with actor Erich Bergen at BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical, and an on-set experience with Meloni, helping the event raise over $1.3 million.

Candace Bushnell, creator of Sex & the City, introduced honoree Peter Thomas Roth, a Lyme warrior and founder of Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skin Care, while Bob Kelly presented Dr. Jeffrey Morrison with the Kelly Hero Award, honoring his contributions to Lyme disease research and patient care.

The evening concluded with Sheila E.'s unforgettable performance, and guests enjoyed a delightful dinner featuring dishes like spinach & cheese cannelloni and prime ribeye steak, followed by desserts such as tiramisu and cheesecake.

Other notable attendees included Lindsay Keyes, co-director of The Quiet Epidemic, along with Bravo stars Ramona Singer and Jenn Fessler, model Michele Hicks, and fashion designer Nicole Miller.

A special thank you to Larry Scott and Lawrence Scott Events for donating the stunning room decor, which created an unforgettable atmosphere at Cipriani 25 Broadway.

A heartfelt thanks to our co-chairs Rose Anastasio, Amy and Charles Balducci, Diane M. Blanchard, Bob and Karen Kelly, Brett Kristoff, Jarrod and Lorrie Nadel, Paul B. Ross, Larry Scott, and Kenzie Vath for their leadership and dedication.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors:
Diamond Sponsors: Nancy & Bob Del Genio, Bob & Karen Kelly, Lawrence Scott Events, and the David P. Nolan Charitable Fund.
Platinum Sponsors: The Busch Family Foundation, Kenzie & Collin Vath, Malcolm & Dana McAvity.
Gold Sponsors: The CIMI Foundation, Brett & Mark Kristoff, Lois J. Liberman & Paul B. Ross.
Silver Sponsors: Rose & James Anastasio, Blank Rome, The Del Genio Family, Robert & Cheryl Kobre, Lorrie & Jarrod Nadel, Norma & Cliff Russ, Scarano Family Foundation, Kelli & Jim Stanton.

Awareness and funding for Lyme disease are more critical than ever, with over 500,000 new cases annually in the U.S. alone. Global Lyme Alliance remains committed to its mission of supporting innovative research, raising awareness, and empowering patients in the fight against Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

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GALA COVERAGE:

OK! Magazine: The 9th Annual GLA Gala Shines Bright in NYC with Christopher Meloni, Sheila E & Candace Bushnell

In Touch Weekly: Law & Order: SVU’s Chris Meloni Takes to Capitol Hill to Fight for Lyme Disease

US Weekly: Stabler Is On The Case!