The 9th Annual GLA Gala Shines Bright in NYC with Christopher Meloni, Sheila E & Candace Bushnell

Last night, the 9th annual Global Lyme Alliance (GLA) Gala lit up Cipriani 25 Broadway in Lower Manhattan, bringing together a mix of business, entertainment, and scientific leaders for an inspiring evening. The event, which has become a hallmark of hope and awareness in the fight against Lyme disease, celebrated the GLA's mission to conquer this often-overlooked illness.

Among the night’s honorees were some remarkable individuals, including Peter Thomas Roth , founder and CEO of Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skin Care and a proud Lyme warrior. Roth, whose personal battle with Lyme disease has fueled his passion for advocacy, was recognized for his contributions to the cause. Also honored was Robert Kobre , GLA Chairman Emeritus and a tireless supporter of Lyme research, alongside Dr. Jeffrey Morrison , who received the prestigious Kelly Hero Award for his work in Lyme disease treatment and research

The evening was hosted by none other than Rosanna Scotto , beloved host of Good Day New York , who brought her signature charm and grace to the role of Master of Ceremonies. The crowd was also treated to a powerful speech by Law & Order star Christopher Meloni , a longtime GLA ambassador, who recently traveled to Capitol Hill with documentary director Lindsay Keys , whose film The Quiet Epidemic focuses on the struggles of those living with Lyme disease and the need for better diagnostics and treatments. Together, they advocated for increased funding, highlighting that Lyme disease receives only 1 percent of the funding that similar diseases like West Nile virus or Malaria receive, making the fight for global support more urgent than ever.

The evening was capped off with an electrifying performance by legendary musician Sheila E., the "Queen of Percussion," that stole the show. She dazzled the crowd with her iconic hits, including "A Love Bizarre," delivering a performance that had the room buzzing.

The star-studded guest list didn’t stop there with Sex and the City creator Candace Bushnell , skincare expert Dr. Nick Perricone , and fashion designer Nicole Miller among the notable attendees who dined on a decadent meal featuring spinach and cheese cannelloni, prime ribeye steak, and an array of desserts like tiramisu and cheesecake.

The highlight of the night was the live auction, which featured luxurious experiences and exclusive prizes, including trips to Scotland and Southern California, a meet-and-greet with actor Erich Bergen at BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical , and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go behind the scenes with Christopher Meloni on set. The auction raised significant funds, and by the end of the night, over $1.3 million had been contributed to support Lyme disease research and awareness.

Joining the cause were Bravo personalities Ramona Singer and Jenn Fessler, along with model Michele Hicks, fashion expert Gretta Monahan , actor and humorist George Hahn , and many others. It was a night where entertainment met philanthropy in a truly impactful way.

With Lyme disease cases on the rise, now more than ever, the need for awareness and funding is crucial. The CDC estimates over 500,000 new cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. each year, underscoring the urgency of GLA's mission. Through groundbreaking research and patient support, GLA continues to lead the charge, having awarded over $20 million to date to support innovative research programs. The organization also helps patients at every stage of their journey, providing resources like Lyme-literate doctors, peer mentorship, and a wealth of educational materials on its website.

To learn more or get involved, visit GLA.org and join the movement to combat Lyme disease, one step at a time.