On May 1, 2026, Oceanside’s SeaBird Ocean Resort & Spa will transform into a coastal haven of hope, harmony, and heartfelt connection as the Alzheimer’s Association hosts its annual Brilliance Gala. This year’s event promises more than elegance – it offers a moving tribute to the power of music in the Alzheimer’s journey.
Following the success of the 2025 Gala, which honored groundbreaking research and community champions, the 2026 celebration will spotlight music’s unique ability to reach those living with Alzheimer’s and support the caregivers who walk beside them. The evening will feature live performances, personal stories, and immersive moments that show how melodies can unlock memories long thought lost.
“Now is the time,” Janet Hamada Kelley, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association San Diego & Imperial Chapter shared with GB Magazine. “We have unlocked the door to the era of treatment. We must keep pushing to ensure that door opens wide – for everyone impacted.”
Scientific studies confirm what many caregivers have long known: familiar songs can reduce anxiety, elevate mood, and even spark memory recall. Music activates parts of the brain that often remain untouched by the disease, offering a rare and beautiful way to reconnect. Guests will hear powerful stories from caregivers and individuals whose lives have been transformed by music therapy – moments of recognition, joy, and emotional clarity that remind us of music’s timeless magic.
The evening calls for cocktail attire and open hearts. Proceeds will benefit local programs, advocacy, caregiver support, and cutting-edge research aimed at ending Alzheimer’s. In 2025 alone, the Alzheimer’s Association invested over $21 million in research at San Diego-based institutions – fueling hope and progress. “We invite you to be part of this movement,” Hamada Kelley adds. “Together, we are changing the future of Alzheimer’s – for our families, our communities, and generations to come.”
With more than 60,000 San Diegans living with Alzheimer’s, the Brilliance Gala is more than a fundraiser – it is a celebration of resilience, remembrance, and the rhythms that unite us.
To get involved, contact Joanie Ewing at (619) 239-1398. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.alz.org/sandiego.
