Entrepreneur and former Alliance Gastronomique chairman Marc van Gulick, together with numerous Michelin-starred chefs, organised a gala dinner to raise funds for dementia research. The money will go towards research into early-onset dementia, improving the quality of life for people living with dementia, and working towards a future without dementia.
In the Netherlands, around 15,000 people have dementia whilst they are still under the age of 65. Brigitte, Marc’s wife, is one of them. Restaurants of the Alliance Gastronomique and Hotel Okura Amsterdam joined forces. Guests enjoyed a five-course menu, prepared by various Michelin-starred chefs, including Nelson Tanate (De Librije ***), Jeroen Achtien (Inter Scaldes**), Dick Middelweerd (De Treeswijkhoeve **), Arjan Speelman (Ciel Bleu **), Roy Eijkelkamp (De Bokkedoorns **) and Jan Smink (Smink *). There were musical performances by various Dutch singers and bands. The evening was entirely dedicated to creating lasting memories and raising money for Alzheimer Nederland.
Marc van Gulick said: “I am incredibly proud of the Alliance Gastronomique and everyone else who made this wonderful evening possible – and what a fantastic sum we have raised for research into early-onset dementia. Unfortunately, this will no longer be of any help to my wife Brigitte, but hopefully it can contribute to putting a stop to this terrible disease in the future.”
With the fantastic total of EUR 490,219 raised, Alzheimer Nederland can now take further steps in research into dementia, such as Alzheimer’s and early-onset dementia.
Wiesje van der Flier, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Nederland said: “At Alzheimer Nederland, we are incredibly grateful for this wonderful initiative. It is inspiring to see how Alliance Gastronomique, Marc and his family, and all the partners are turning a sense of powerlessness into positive action. Together, we are taking an important step towards a future without dementia.”
