NEW YORK, NY (SMI-GLOBAL-PHILANTROPHY-OCT. 12-15, 2023)- The Global Lyme Alliance non-profit organization known for advocating to cure Lyme and other tick-borne diseases celebrated its annual 2023 Fundraising Gala last Thursday October 12, honoring US Actor Christopher Meloni (Celebrity Ambassador), Kenzie Vath(Lyme Warrior) & philanthropists Bob and Karen Kelly during a sold-out fine dining, and award ceremony presentation at Cipriani's 42nd Street in the heart of New York City. 

The GLA annual benefit gala main goal is to raise funds to cure Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through innovative research, awareness, and empowering the patient voice. GLA has gained international recognition for its groundbreaking research findings, expansive outreach programs, and connecting patients to qualified doctors and peer mentors.

This year 2023 gala was hosted by  Rosanna Scotto (Fox Good Day New York) as Master of Ceremonies, and special and electrifying performances by Ashley Loren and US Iconic singer-songwriter/ 80' & 90' Teen-Idol Debbie Gibson to closed-out the gala in style.

Christopher Meloni was honored with the 2023 GLA Celebrity Ambassador Award

Kensie Vath is a Lyme Warrior, devoted wife and dedicated Hotelier was honred for her remarkable contributions towards raising funds and awareness for this relentless disease.

Bod & Karen Kelly were honored with the 2023 GLA philanthropist award celebrating the heroic endeavors of family members and caregivers who play an indespensable role in this battle, alongside patients themselves.

Past honorees and supporters of the GLA Global Gala included: Kim & Atty Cleworth, Bryan Adams, Joseph Abboud, Carlos Brito, Skye Cowie, Kat Cunning, Chris Daughtry, David Foster, Sutton Foster, Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Yolanda Hadid, Ally Hilfiger, Dee and Tommy Hilfiger, Avril Lavigne, Jay McInerney, Jim Miller, Tommy Mottola, Mike Schneider, Larry Scott, Rosanna Scotto, Ramona Singer, Victor Slezak, Lori Stokes, Thalia, Marisol and Rob Thomas, and Erin and Jimmy Walker. 

Notable Co-Chairs included:Rose Anastasio, Amy & Charles Balducci, Diane M. Blanchard, Bob & Kareb Kelly, Robert Kobre, Brett Kristoff, Jarrod & Lorrie Nadel, Paul B. Ross, Larry Scott, Erin & Jimmy Walker.   

Notable Guest/Attendees included: Laura MacNeill, Christopher Meloni, Debbie Gibson, His Highness Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe of Germany, Nicole Miller, Christina Maxwell, Marc Bouwer, Ashley Loren, Dolores Catania, Loris Diran, Alexa Goodrow, Erich Bergen,Bojana Jankovic Weatherly, Jean Shafiroff,Maribel Libierman....