January 30, 2003
Barbra Streisand Names Alzheimer’s Association the Beneficiary of Celebrity Design and Charity Auction research, caregiving, public policy, and programs and services.

Chicago, IL — The Alzheimer’s Association has been selected by one of the entertainment industry’s biggest names, Barbra Streisand, as the recipient of proceeds generated from the auction of an intricate platinum heart-shaped pendant designed by the mega-star. Ms. Streisand, whose late mother suffered with Alzheimer’s disease, headlines the list of female celebrities participating in this year’s Platinum’s Women With Heart™ celebrity pendant design and auction. The event is sponsored by Platinum Guild International USA, the U.S. marketing arm for the worldwide platinum industry. Online bidding takes place at www.sothebys.com from Jan. 27 – Feb. 10.
“There are so many causes that appeal to me, but a very personal sadness drew me to address Alzheimer’s disease, my mother’s affliction,” said Ms. Streisand. “I saw the terrible confusion it imposes on its victims, and I know the special pain of caring about someone who is still alive but is forever beyond any meaningful contact”.
“There are currently 4 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease and another 18 million family members and friends affected by its devastation,” said Sheldon Goldberg, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO. “This generous public gesture sends a powerful message of hope that they are not alone in their suffering or in the fight to find a cure. We are grateful to Barbra Streisand for opening her heart to the Alzheimer’s Association.” Ms. Streisand’s platinum and diamond heart-shaped necklace design, described by the Platinum Guild as “embodying a sense of romance and old world charm,” was brought to life by jewelry designer Michael Beaudry. Ms. Streisand said the inspiration for the design came from “the flowing lines of art nouveau jewelry, and my love of pink diamonds and the remembrance of my mother”.
This is the second Women With Heart™ celebrity design and charity auction campaign sponsored by Platinum Guild International USA. Barbra Streisand, along with Susan Sarandon, Penélope Cruz, Christina Applegate, Brandy, and Gisele Bündchen, personally designed platinum heart-shaped pendant necklaces which were then produced by a select group of top platinum jewelry designers. Each celebrity designer has chosen a charity to benefit from the pendant auction. Last year’s celebrity designers included Catherine Zeta-Jones, Cameron Diaz and Faith Hill.
To view Platinum’s Women With Heart™ celebrity designs, PGI-USA and Sotheby’s are hosting public preview days with online bidding terminals at Sotheby’s in New York City Feb. 3-5 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and in Los Angeles on Feb. 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional details on the celebrities, their pendants and charities, platinum designers, public preview days and online bidding, are available at Platinum Guild International’s Web site,www.preciousplatinum.com.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the premier source of information and support for the 4 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. Through its national network of chapters, the association offers a broad range of programs and services for people with the disease, their families and caregivers and represents their interests on Alzheimer-related issues before federal, state and local government and with health and long-term care providers. The largest private funder of Alzheimer research in the United States, the association has committed $136 million toward research into the disease.