— Pajama Party-Themed Fundraiser Emceed by Jonathan Bennett and Melissa Peterman Raises $300,000 for Alzheimer’s Research —

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hallmark stars Ashley Williams and Nikki DeLoach hosted the eighth annual Dance Party to End ALZ on Sunday, Sept. 13, at AVALON Hollywood, raising $300,000 and counting for the Alzheimer’s Association’s research grant program. This year’s Pajama Party-themed celebration was emceed by Jonathan Bennett and Melissa Peterman.

The event, founded by Kimberly Williams-Paisley in honor of her mother and family’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease, brought together celebrities, advocates and supporters for an evening dedicated to accelerating scientific breakthroughs and advancing hope for millions of families affected by dementia.

Williams and DeLoach kicked off the night by dancing their way through the crowd, setting an energetic tone before welcoming guests to the stage. Emcees Jonathan Bennett and Melissa Peterman kept the laughs coming all evening with a string of costume changes, and guests leaned fully into the Pajama Party spirit, arriving in their coziest pajamas, fuzzy slippers and eye masks. Amid the fun, the evening carried a poignant moment during the mission-focused call to action, when Lindsey Gort delivered an emotional performance of her original song, “The Longest Goodbye,” underscoring the heavy weight of the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Williams and DeLoach, who have both experienced the loss of a parent to dementia, welcomed guests for an evening centered on remembrance, community and action.

“Tonight was pure magic, and it’s all because of you. To every fan, friend and family member who danced, bid, sang along and opened their hearts – thank you. This event is a testament to what we can do when we come together for the people we love. This community carries our families’ stories forward, and every dollar raised tonight brings us one step closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.” Said co-hosts Ashley Williams and Nikki DeLoach.

*Photos available* 

Accompanied by house band Casual Encounters, performances included:

• Eliza Pryor’s take on “Hot to Go”, and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”
• Kayden Muller-Janssen’s spin on “Dancing Queen”, and “Proud Mary”
• Lindsey Gort’s heartfelt performance of “The Longest Goodbye”, and take on “Pink Pony Club”
• Melinda Doolittle’s rendition of “Respect”, and “I Will Survive”
• Paul Greene’s version of “Sweet Caroline”, and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”
• Riley Weston’s take on “Don’t Stop Believing”
• Andrew Walker’s rendition of “Basket Case”
• Sarah Drew’s and Kate Kilbane’s performance of “Closer to Fine”
• Tamera Mowry-Housley’s rendition of “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”, and “We Belong”

Event committee included:

• Ashley Williams, actor, director and writer
• Nikki DeLoach, actor, producer and writer
• Annie Howell, chief communications officer, Hallmark Media
• Shaina Julian, director of talent relations and events, Hallmark Media
• Cassandra Troy, co-founder, Little West
• Andrew Walker, actor, producer and co-founder, Skin Mason

Featured sponsors included:

• Hallmark Media
• Kimberly Williams-Paisley & Brad Paisley

Additional notables in attendance included:

• B.J. Britt
• Bonnie Hunt
• Brooke D’Orsay
• Sharon Lawrence
• Taylor Cole

Funds raised through Dance Party to End ALZ will directly support the Alzheimer’s Association’s research grant program. To date, Dance Party to End ALZ has raised more than $2 million to fund diverse and exciting Alzheimer’s research — from studying the impacts of genetics and sleep on the brain, to developing new interventions for dementia risk reduction.

For more information and to donate, visit alz.org/DanceParty.

About the Alzheimer’s Association ^®

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia^®. Visit alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

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SOURCE Alzheimer’s Association