On November 2nd, 2016, AFAR hosted its 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner at Le Parker Meridien in New York City. More than 160 guests attended to help raise over $270,000 in support of AFAR’s work to advance healthy aging through biomedical research.
AFAR Executive Director Stephanie Lederman and event Master of Ceremonies Dr. Max Gomez, medical correspondent for WCBS-TV, opened the evening with comments regarding the importance of aging research and commemorating AFAR’s 35th Anniversary.
Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Max Gomez shares opening remarks on the importance of aging research.
On the importance of the cause, Dr. Gomez stated, “There is simply no other anticipated advance in public health in sight now that even comes close to the health and economic benefits associated with delayed aging.”
The evening continued with the presentation of AFAR’s four Awards of Distinction.
Congratulations to this year’s Awards of Distinction honorees (Clockwise): Roger W. Ferguson,Jr; Johannes J. Baensch; Peter G. Peterson; and Frances Hesselbein.
First, Peter G. Peterson, Founder and Chairman, Peter G. Peterson Foundation, accepted the George E. and Marie J. Doty Award in recognition of his generosity, compassion, and life’s work addressing policy towards improving the nation’s fiscal challenges.
Roger W. Ferguson, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of TIAA, was presented Chairman’s Award for his leadership on the National Academy of Sciences’ Committee on the Long-Run Macro-Economic Effects of the Aging U.S. Population.
Johannes J. Baensch, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Nestlé Skin Health S.A., received the Honorary Leadership Award for his work with Nestle in expanding the scientific agenda, paving a path toward improved health through better diet and lifestyle and working to address public health priorities and to meet people’s changing preferences through research, education and partnerships.
Finally, Frances Hesselbein, President and CEO, The Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute, was honored with the inaugural Icon of Aging Award in recognition of her long and distinguished career as a public service advocate.
Additionally, AFAR recognized its annual Honorary Scientific Awards of Distinction: S. Jay Olshansky, Ph.D. received the Irving S. Wright Award, while Luigi Fontana, M.D., Ph.D. received the Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award in Aging Research.
The evening’s awards were presented by a range of notable executives, including Paul A. Volcker, Chairman of the Volcker Alliance and former Chairman of the Federal Reserve; Michael W. Hodin, Ph.D., C.E.O. of the Global Coalition on Aging, and Terry Fulmer, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., Executive Director of The John A. Hartford Foundation.
Board Member S. Jay Olshansky comments on the economic impact of aging research.
Board members S. Jay Olshansky and Mark Lachs, MD, also shared remarks at the event.
AFAR thanks all those who attended and contributed to the success of this event.
