Visionary Women

Visionary Women's Afternoon Tea

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

The London West Hollywood

Celebrating Compassion and Community at Visionary Women's Afternoon Tea
Amidst the celebratory air of Women's History Month, the Alzheimer's Los Angeles Visionary Women's Afternoon Tea illuminated The London West Hollywood with warmth and purpose on Wednesday, March 6th. Despite unexpected rain necessitating a move to the indoor ballroom from the rooftop terrace, the event unfolded seamlessly, drawing 160 kind-hearted individuals dedicated to making a difference.

Guided by gracious host, actress Sharon Lawrence, whose personal connection to Alzheimer's sparked the fundraising enthusiasm, the afternoon witnessed remarkable generosity. Sharon's commitment set the stage for an outpouring of support, culminating in a record-breaking $130,000 raised – all of which will directly benefit local families affected by Alzheimer's and dementia.

In honoring exceptional individuals like Alzheimer's Los Angeles Board Member Randi Jones, caregiver Deb Kurtz, and the inaugural recipient of the Judy Wunsch Heart of Service Award, Cathy Ladd, the event not only celebrated their contributions but also underscored a vital message: Alzheimer's is a women's issue. During Women's History Month, it's imperative to recognize that women are disproportionately affected both as individuals with the disease and as primary caregivers.

Deb Kurtz's poignant acceptance speech echoed this sentiment, highlighting the challenges faced by the "sandwich generation" – those caring for aging parents while raising their own children. Yet, within this struggle, Deb found strength in the supportive community fostered by Alzheimer's Los Angeles, emphasizing the importance of seeking support and finding solace in shared experiences.

As we reflect on the success of the Visionary Women's Afternoon Tea, we commit to continue raising awareness and support for the women disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's. Join us in our mission to provide care, support, and resources to those in need. Visit our Facebook page to view event photos and stand with us in solidarity.

Together, we can rewrite the narrative of Alzheimer's – one empowered woman at a time.

Photos from 2024 Visionary Women's Afternoon Tea

photos from the 2024 Visionary Women's Afternoon Tea

2024 Visionary Women's Afternoon Tea - Alzheimer's Los Angeles

More photos can be found on our Facebook page.

Visionary Women 2024 Planning Committee

We extend our gratitude to the dedicated committee members who have played a pivotal role in making this event possible. Their passion and commitment drive our collective mission forward.

Susan Levin, Chair
Beth Devermont
Mirella Diaz-Santos
Melly Khamvongsa
Monica Moore
Arden Teplow
Linda Thieben

HOSTED BY

Sharon Lawrence

Emmy Nominated and SAG Award Winning Actress

Connie Lee Keiter Breaking Boundaries Award

Randi Jones

Alzheimer’s LA Board Member

Randi Jones biography

Randi Jones has been involved with Alzheimer’s Los Angeles and its predecessor organization since 2006, when she was hired as a graduate student to be the Research Associate for the California Workgroup on Guidelines for Alzheimer’s Disease Management under the direction of Executive Vice President Debra Cherry. Since the publication of the California Guidelines in 2008, she has worked on several projects for the organization, including serving as Ambassador to then-Congressman Xavier Becerra, a member of the Visionary Women’s Awards Luncheon Committee in 2017-2019, and Chair of the Afternoon Tea in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Randi has a long history of involvement with organizations working to meet the needs of the aging population in Los Angeles, as a researcher, psychotherapist, and community volunteer. In addition to her work with Alzheimer’s LA, Randi serves on the Board of Directors of St. Barnabas Senior Services and the Advisory Council of UCLA’s Department of Geriatric Medicine, and works with older adults as a volunteer with Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles. She also serves on the Boards of the Ebell of Los Angeles (where she is currently Vice President) and the Maestro Foundation, a Santa Monica-based organization that assists early-career classical musicians. In addition, she and her husband are very active on behalf of Bet Tzedek Legal Services and Los Angeles Opera.

A resident of Los Angeles since 1990, Randi received a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Southern California, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias and working with their caregivers. Prior to coming to California, she earned a law degree from Columbia University and practiced law in New York City for nine years.

Randi lives with her husband in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, not far from their two adult children and grandchildren.

Caring Hearts Award

Deb Kurtz

Caregiver

Deb Kurtz biography

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Deborah Kurtz grew up on the west side with her parents.  After earning a degree in film and journalism from UC Santa Cruz, she moved to New York City to pursue documentary television production.  Deborah produced and directed a variety of programs on various topics for such networks as PBS, A&E, History Channel, Discovery and HGTV. After nearly twelve years in the Big Apple, she returned to Los Angeles with her husband and newborn son.  A few years later, her daughter was born.  It was a gift for Deborah to be near her parents again, but unfortunately, her mom started showing signs of cognitive decline and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018.

Deborah was connected with Alzheimer’s LA for resources and support which was incredibly helpful. She got more involved with the organization in 2019 and 2020 when she wrote eighteen short scripts for their online Caregiver Video Tips series. In 2021, she began facilitating a weekly general support group for caregivers.  In 2023, she started a second bi-monthly support group for adults caring for loved ones in a residential facility.

In addition, Deborah has been a member of two caregiver support groups at UCLA for years which continue to be invaluable.

While dementia is wicked and heartbreaking, Deborah’s experience caring for her mother has been eye-opening. She feels comfort and profound meaning in supporting, educating and learning from her caregiver partners on this crazy roller coaster ride.  Deborah is truly honored to be recognized with the Caring Hearts Award.

Inaugural Judy Wunsch Heart of Service Award

Cathy Ladd

Chief Program Officer, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles

Cathy Ladd biography

Cathy Ladd is the Program Officer at Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, which serves people and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias living in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. She has over 40 years of experience working with older adults, caregivers and professionals in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, adult day centers, and case management agencies within the nonprofit and private sector and has worked for Alzheimer’s LA for 22 years. She has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois, Champaign.

Remembering Judy Wunsch

"I support Alzheimer's Los Angeles because they were there for me when there were no other resources available to families affected by Alzheimer's disease. This was 40 years ago, and there was only one support group available. I am proud of what I have contributed over the years to help build up services and spread awareness. Alzheimer's Los Angeles is now able to offer help to people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. We have grown so much!"

We thank our 2024 sponsors for supporting Visionary Women

Randi & Richard Jones

Linda Thieben

Ballet Brain Circuit at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Robyn Perchik & Beverly Hills Egg Donation

Continuity Care Home Nurses

Cathy Fink

Remedy Cares

Laurie Schecter

Arlene Slater

Leslie Vermut

Melissa Wayne

View Visionary Women's Afternoon Tea | 2023
View Visionary Women's Afternoon Tea | 2022
View Visionary Women's Afternoon Tea | 2021
Visionary Women's Luncheon 2020 was cancelled
View Visionary Women's Luncheon | 2019
View Visionary Women's Luncheon | 2018

Funds raised from this event support Alzheimer’s Los Angeles’ critical education and support programs that provide much needed care for caregivers facing the enormous challenges of caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

ALZHEIMER'S LOS ANGELES