Author and television host B. Smith and her husband, executive Dan Gasby, will speak at the event.
Smith will talk about her recently-published book, “Before I Forget,” co-authored by Gasby and Vanity Fair editor Michael Shnayerson.
'Forget' details the daily challenges of living with Alzheimer's disease. Smith was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 63 three years ago.
Gasby called Alzheimer's 'a 21st century civil rights issue' in a statement.
“Two out of three people living with Alzheimer’s are women. Black and Latinos are two or three more times as likely to be diagnosed and the cost of care is staggering and devastating to a family of moderate means,” he said.
“We recognize Wartburg as a beacon in long term care and a backstop for those who need to know that their loved ones with Alzheimer’s are treated with dignity and respect and are delivered first class healthcare services,” he added.
Tickets are $250, and the event will feature a silent auction.
The gala is the first of a series of events planned throughout the year marking Wartburg’s 150th anniversary, dating back to its founding in 1866 as an orphanage for those affected by the Civil War.
Larry Fair, an alumnus of The Wartburg Orphans’ Farm School, will also be honored at the gala for his work with The Future Society, Inc., a non-profit devoted to mentoring disadvantaged inner city youth and their parents.
To purchase tickets and see the schedule of future anniversary events, go to wartburg.org.
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