Event: A Night at Sardi’s
Chair: Laurie Burrows Grad
Date: March 18, 2010
Event411: The death of Broadway legend Abe Burrows from Alzheimer’s disease in 1985, had a profound impact on his daughter, Laurie Burrows Grad, and brought her to the Alzheimer’s Association as a tireless volunteer and advocate. Drawing inspiration from her father, Burrows Grad created A Night at Sardi’s – a Broadway musical review and awards dinner that has brought both dollars and awareness to the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association, for whom, she has raised over $17 million.

What’s new for this year’s event?

Lots of wonderful new talent including Anne Hathaway, Seth Rogen, Anoop Desai from Idol, and Samantha Harris from Dancing with the Stars. And we have great honorees – the Marshall family (Garry, Penny and Ronny), producer Susan Dietz and Soleil Moon Frye. All have lost parents to Alzheimer’s.

Why do guests like this event?

It’s the most fun event because they get to see a Broadway show! The surprise factor is always there when they say “oh, I didn’t know Samantha Harris could sing and dance?”

How do you put the “fun” in your fundraisers – what inspires you?
“Sardi’s was started in memory of my Dad the late playwright Abe Burrows who died of Alzheimer’s. He wrote “Guys and Dolls” and “How to Succeed In Business” plus many other plays so we keep our Broadway theme because of him.

Where did you gain your fundraising experience?

I didn’t know I could do it but once I started to ask for money for a cause I believe in, I just couldn’t be stopped. I get like a pit bull and don’t take no for an answer. It’s all for a good cause.

What qualities make an event Chair successful?

You have to be a part of the whole event. All details have to go through you and yet you have to let your committee and producers and others do their thing. My husband Peter chairs with me and helps in the fundraising big time.

What is the best charitable event you’ve attended and why?

I am partial to “Sardi’s.” It’s just so much more fun than a silent auction or dancing. It’s different. And people sign up immediately and want to know what show we are doing next year.

What is one fundraising tip you’ve learned that you’re willing to share?

I like to talk to people in a friendly and fun tone. I crack jokes and they seem to like it. I try to find out if Alzheimer’s has touched them in any way. You have to be kind and funny and keep up with these relationships. I even send pix of my grandkids to people I have talked to for years.

What fundraising innovation do you wish would be invented?

I want a cure for Alzheimer’s!

What are you wearing to the event?

Elizabeth Mason at Paper Bag Princess is going to lend me one of her fabulous creations. That store is the best. They have vintage but Elizabeth is also a fantastic designer.

Tell us a little about you:

I am a food writer, have written 5 cookbooks, cooked on television for years and years and even had my own show on TLC called Laurie Cooks Light & Easy. I love to cook and create recipes. I was a fashion model in the sixties and still like to keep my figure slim by walking and Pilates.

If you could live in any city or location for one year, where would it be?

London. I am an Anglophile. I love being in London and am addicted to Masterpiece Classics and mysteries. I even rent British movies and series on Netflix.

Who is your fundraising mentor?

I don’t have one. I just started and got the hang of it. I am self taught.

The one word that best describes you?

Persistent.

What is your life motto?

To be kind and caring and loving. You don’t want to miss out on relationships. I have a wonderful husband of 42 years who shares my beliefs. We tell each other each day “I love you.” Sounds corny but it works.

What is your greatest extravagance?

A trip somewhere with my husband. We love to get away to nice places and relax.

What talent would you most like to have?

Seth Rogen as host and I have him! But I must say I have a thing for Hugh Jackman who is the best!

What famous person, living or not, would you like to have dinner with?

Obama of course. I think he is trying so hard and it is an uphill battle.

Greatest misconception about you?

I don’t think there are misconceptions. I am what I am. It’s all out there for people to see.

Photos courtesy of Kevin Winter of Getty Images.