Founded in 2019 by Stacy Polley alongside Daryl and Irwin Simon, the Fork It Fund has now funneled more than $5 million into scientific initiatives through its partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. While the event focused on the clinical urgency of early detection and brain health, it remained anchored in the artistic legacy Polley’s father instilled in her. For the former Goldman Sachs partner, the stage at Sony Hall offered a space to honor both the caregivers like her mother and the families navigating the realities of dementia.

Beyond the performance, the evening highlighted the foundation's core mission: shifting the narrative from treatment to prevention. By combining philanthropic outreach with community support, the organization aims to fund research that identifies Alzheimer’s before symptoms become irreversible. This year’s contribution ensures that the capital needed for global research efforts continues to grow, keeping the focus on scientific breakthroughs that may one day spare families from the challenges of the disease.