Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Honors Phebe Farrow Port of The Estée Lauder Companies and Martha and Peter Webster at Fifteenth Annual Fall Symposium and Luncheon

The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) hosted its Fifteenth Annual Fall Symposium and Luncheon on Monday, October 27, 2025, at The Pierre. The event honored the extraordinary vision and enduring legacy of Leonard A. Lauder, which is embedded in the very foundation of the ADDF, shaping groundbreaking science and inspiring the distinguished honorees celebrated each year.

Since the inception of the ADDF in 1998, progress in Alzheimer’s research has transformed, reflecting remarkable strides in turning scientific discoveries into real hope for patients and their families. This year, three exceptional individuals were recognized for their outstanding leadership and steadfast commitment to the ADDF’s mission: Phebe Farrow Port and Martha and Peter Webster.

Nine-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and ADDF board member Paula Zahn hosted the luncheon, which raised over $1.5 million to support the ADDF’s mission of rapidly accelerating the development of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer's disease.

The ADDF’s Co-Founder and Chairman, Ronald S. Lauder, reflected on the momentous progress in Alzheimer’s research driven by the vision he and his brother, the late Leonard A. Lauder, set in motion when they founded the organization 27 years ago: “ In one of my last conversations with my brother, we talked about what the ADDF has accomplished and I could see in his eyes and his enthusiasm that he was so pleased with this amazing success,” said Mr. Lauder.  “For all of you who have helped along the way. I want to say that when Alzheimer’s is stopped, and it will be stopped, it will be our little secret that we played a part. There is great hope today where there was none before and that’s enough.”

William Lauder, Chair of the Board of Directors at The Estée Lauder Companies, presented the 2025 Charles Evans Award to Phebe Farrow Port; ADDF board member, Senior Vice President of Global Management Strategies, at The Estée Lauder Companies; in recognition of her exemplary dedication to the ADDF’s mission. Over her tenure at The Estée Lauder Companies, Phebe’s career and commitment to the ADDF reflect the profound impact of Leonard A. Lauder’s mentorship and friendship, as well as her own personal connection to Alzheimer’s.

“For decades, I’ve had the privilege of raising awareness for Alzheimer’s and championing the ADDF alongside an extraordinary group of friends, donors, and colleagues who share the same determination to conquer this devastating disease — because for us, it’s personal,” said Ms. Port, accepting the award. “As Leonard Lauder once said, ‘If you can’t see the future, you’ll never get there.’ I truly believe that through the ADDF’s work, he and Ronald have made more differences than they both could have dreamed. A future of hope for all those touched by Alzheimer’s is finally within reach.”

Martha and Peter Webster received the Visionary Partner Award for their dedicated advocacy in service of Alzheimer’s research, lending their leadership, generosity, and commitment to accelerate the development of effective treatments.

“Today isn’t just a celebration; it’s an opportunity to make a real difference,” said Martha Webster upon receiving the award. “Peter and I have been long-time advocates and supporters of Alzheimer’s research and care deeply about this cause. Hearing from the world-renowned researchers funded by the ADDF and seeing their groundbreaking science up close has only strengthened our conviction that this extraordinary organization is truly leading the way.”

Preceding the luncheon, ADDF Chief Executive Officer Mark Roithmayr moderated a special scientific symposium showcasing the tremendous power of collaboration between philanthropy and pharma. Panelists included Howard Fillit, MD, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer at the ADDF; Sarah Foster, Executive Director of Site of Care and Health Systems Management at Eisai; Sarah Kleinpeter, SVP and Head of the Global Alzheimer's and Dementia Franchise at Biogen; and Laura Steele, Senior Vice President of U.S. Neuroscience at Eli Lilly and Company.  The symposium explored the most promising science in the field and the latest developments in cutting-edge innovation that are advancing the next era of precision medicine through drug development, early detection and ultimately, prevention.

Notable guests in attendance included: Wendy and Stephane De La Faverie, Phebe Farrow Port, Nancy Goodes, Marilu Henner, Cliff and Jane Hudis, Ronald S. Lauder, Judy Glickman Lauder, William Lauder, Gary and Laura Lauder, Josh and Katherine Lauder, Eliana Lauder, Bonnie Lautenberg, Muffie Potter Aston, Liz and Randal Sandler, Martha Webster, Fran Weissler, Paula Zahn, among other ADDF supporters.