More than 250 guests attended the 9th annual Charlotte Memory Gala on Saturday, May 2, raising over $650,000 for Alzheimer’s research, education and quality care through the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter. Chaired by Wes & Allison Misson, the 2026 Memory Gala was held at The Westin Charlotte and featured a live and silent auction, seated dinner and live music by 5 of a Kind.
The evening also featured inspiring moments highlighting the mission and impact of the Alzheimer’s Association, including the powerful story of Bob Nix and his wife Debbie, who are living the Alzheimer’s journey today.
Because of his family history of dementia, Bob was proactive when discussing changes in cognition with his family doctor. After brain scans revealed amyloid plaque deposits consistent with Alzheimer’s disease, Bob began infusions of Lecanemab (Leqembi®), one of the newest FDA-approved disease-modifying Alzheimer’s treatments. They are embracing this time together with love, humor and hope that the next generations of their family will never have to face Alzheimer’s or other dementia.
We are grateful to Bob and Debbie for sharing their personal journey with us all. Watch their story below.
Since the Memory Gala’s inception in 2017, the event has also presented the Award of Excellence to an individual, family or company that has made a significant impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s. This year’s honoree is Laura Baker, PhD, professor of gerontology and geriatrics at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and associate director of the Wake Forest Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
Dr. Baker is an internationally recognized leader in cognitive aging and lifestyle interventions to protect brain health. Most notably, she led the groundbreaking U.S. POINTER study, funded by the Alzheimer’s Association, which demonstrated that healthy lifestyle changes can help preserve cognitive function in diverse populations. This cause is also deeply personal to Dr. Baker, who recently experienced her father’s decline and passing due to Alzheimer’s disease — and who is driven to help those who may be at risk in the future.
Learn more about Dr. Baker’s story and the how the promising results from U.S. POINTER are empowering older adults to take control of their brain health:
“This new era of treatment and hope would not be possible without the leadership of trailblazers like Dr. Baker and the passion and generosity of this community,” said Christine John-Fuller, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association chapters in North Carolina. “We are deeply grateful for the tremendous support of our Memory Gala patrons, which fuels critical research and provides vital resources for individuals and families facing dementia today. Together, we are accelerating the pace of discovery toward treatment, prevention, and ultimately, a cure.”
Proceeds from the Memory Gala will bolster the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission to accelerate global research, promote risk reduction and early detection, and enhance the quality of care and support for those affected. The funds will also support the Association’s Western Carolina Chapter and contribute to programs and services in communities nationwide, ensuring a far-reaching impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
For those who missed this year’s Memory Gala, there’s still time to support our quest to #ENDALZ with an online donation.
Thank you to all of our Memory Gala sponsors, including Platinum Patrons Cadwalader and Family of Don Schaet, as well as Gold Patrons Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe, Senior Living Communities and Spectrum Building Company.
Special thanks to Gala co-chairs Wes & Allison Misson and the Gala committee for coordinating an outstanding event!
Additional event photos can be viewed here, provided by Katie Smith Photography.
Save the date for our 10th annual Memory Gala on Saturday, May 1, 2027. Together, we’ll celebrate the milestone at a new location, The Revelry, a historic venue in the heart of Camp North End in Charlotte. Until then, we invite you to join our Memory Gala Facebook Group to stay connected to news and announcements.
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 