A Family Affair | About Us
History
Mary Rose Taylor was a journalist, philanthropist, and visionary. When her second husband Mack Taylor battled Alzheimer's disease, she not only sought to care for him, but to improve the odds for others. She launched A Family Affair in 2010 to benefit Emory's Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC), which she became involved with throughout Mack's treatment. Since that initial event, A Family Affair has raised more than $9.5 million dollars for Alzheimer's research.
Cause
Alzheimer's disease affects approximately 6.7 million people in our nation, with the number expected to reach 13 million by 2050. Goizueta ADRC was established in 2005 to study various forms of cognitive impairment, to develop treatment solutions, and to provide care. It is a part of a national network of Alzheimer’s research centers supported by the National Institutes of Health. The Goizueta ADRC team consists of more than 100 professionals led by Allan Levey, MD, PhD. Together, we serve nearly 2,700 patients and supporting family members annually.
Steering Committee
Thank you to the volunteers below for their leadership and generous support of the 2024 A Family Affair.
Anne Barge Clegg, Co-Chair
Anne Barge Clegg is a world-renowned bridal gown designer who was enchanted by weddings from a young age. Anne’s involvement with A Family Affair is in honor of her husband Terry, who suffered with Alzheimer’s and in appreciation of the brilliant doctors and staff at GADRC who provided heartfelt support and care.
Pearlann Horowitz, Co-Chair
In 1999, Pearlann and her husband Jerry founded the non-sectarian Zimmerman-Horowitz independent living program, generously funding it to ensure its lasting impact. Appointed by Governor Zell Miller, Pearlann served on the governor’s council on developmental disabilities for 5 years, embodying Eleanor Roosevelt's belief: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Her involvement with A Family Affair is in recognition of Jerry who passed away in 2022 after living with Alzheimer’s for many years.
Roger J. Smith, Co-Chair
Roger is a historic preservationist, perhaps best known for relocating the beautiful Randolph Lucas Jones House to its current location in Ansley Park. His involvement with A Family Affair has been inspired by his father, Jack Cutts Smith, an Emory alumnus who battled Alzheimer’s disease.
Edwina and Tom Johnson, Honorary Co-Chairs
Sandra Baldwin
Andrew Barge
Nancy Carithers
Barbara and Peter Howell
Shawne and Steven Jacobs
Sarah Kennedy
Valeria MacPhail
Harriet Shaffer Pope
Amanda and Don Sentell
Marsha Taylor
Cynthia Widner Wall
Bright Wright
Former Event Chairs
2023 - Roger J. Smith, Amanda and Don Sentell
2022 - Anne Barge Clegg, Roger J. Smith
2021 - Anne Barge Clegg
2020 - Jim and Sally Morgens
2019 - Carolyn and Lem Hewes
2018 - Sue and John McKinley
2017 - Pearlann and Jerry Horowitz
2016 - Sally and Warren Jobe
2015 - Greg and Taz Anderson
2014 - Sarah and Walton Clarke
2013 - Sarah and Jim Kennedy
2012 - Harriet and Charlie Shaffer
2011 - Madeline and Howell Adams
2010 - Mary Rose Taylor
For more information
Check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs) or contact:
Kore Breault
Lead Director of Development, Brain Health
404-326-6167 | kore.breault@emory.edu