On November 12th, 2014, AFAR hosted its Regional Awards Dinner at the Lotos Club in New York City. More than ninety guests attended to help raise nearly $130,000 in support of AFAR’s work to advance healthy aging through biomedical research. Themed “Health & Wealth,” the event honored leaders from the financial and philanthropic sectors for their dedication to aging research.
AFAR presented its Chairman’s Award to Andrew Sieg, Managing Director and Head of Global Wealth & Retirement Solutions at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Stephanie Lederman, AFAR Executive Director shared, "AFAR admires the sensitive, proactive approach way in which Andy and his team have applied research to develop innovative programs that help address the increased and the evolving needs of the company's clients and employees."
Upon accepting the Chairman’s Award, Sieg, declared: “It’s not a stretch to think of those who are leading this longevity movement as the advance guard of this potentially profound achievement.”
Sieg praised AFAR’s unparalleled dedication and pledged collaboration: “AFAR’s leadership--the generosity of your donors, and the path-breaking research of your scientists--will challenge our newest frontiers, for tomorrow and beyond. Bank of America Merrill Lynch sees the longevity revolution as a great, positive force, and pledges to work side-by-side, to push back this new frontier, and to bring the benefits of the aging research to people in our country and across the world.”
Sieg received the Chairman’s Award from Bob Kerrey, former U.S. Senator and Governor of Nebraska.
AFAR presented its Honorary Leadership Award to Corinne H. Rieder, Ed.D., retiring Executive Director and Treasurer at The John A. Hartford Foundation.
Notes Lederman: “For sixteen years, Cory has uniquely championed scientific and clinical research in aging and supported leadership and career training for geriatricians. The field of aging research owes much to her vision and dedication.”
Rieder noted how “AFAR is Hartford’s longest & closest partner,” working tirelessly together to raise funds and broaden support significantly for three programs: the Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research; the Centers of Excellence program; and the Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program.
Rieder celebrated the shared commitment to healthy aging among the event’s attendees: “This award also belongs to all of you too. Together, every one of you in this room--scholars, students, educator, and supporters--can be proud, because we are making a difference in improving the health care of older people.”
Rieder also initiated a toast in honor of the late Kathy Wriston, Hartford Foundation Board president and long-time MSTAR supporter.
Dr. Marie Bernard, Deputy Director of the National Institute on Aging presented Rieder the Honorary Leadership Award.
AFAR’s Board President, Harvey Jay Cohen, M.D., served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.
AFAR board member S. Jay Olshansky, Ph.D., engaged the audience with remarks exploring how scientific research is positioned better than ever to help us all live healthier, longer.
AFAR Medical Officer Richard Besdine, M.D., along with AFAR board member, Mark Lachs, M.D., M.P.H, helped introduce the presenters.
The evening also featured the US premier of a compelling infographic video, Live Longer, Live Well, sponsored by the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and created in partnership with AFAR and the British Society for Research on Ageing. Every guest received a copy of the video, which was designed by acclaimed data journalist David McCandless and is available open access to help rally for support for aging research on www.afar.org.
