$14 million raised for Alzheimer research through Picasso raffle at Christie’s
A lucky man was left stunned after learning he had won a Pablo Picasso painting worth about $1 million with a raffle ticket that cost just $117.
Ari Hodara, a 58-year-old sales engineer who describes himself as an art amateur “fond of Picasso,” bought the ticket by chance over a weekend meal and couldn’t believe it when organizers called to tell him he was the new owner of Picasso’s 1941 portrait Head of a Woman.
The charity raffle, held at Christie’s in Paris, raised an extraordinary $14 million for the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, which will fund advanced studies into the prevention and treatment of the disease.
While Hodara’s surprise win captured public attention, the story behind the painting reflects a deeper philanthropic mission, conceived in an innovative way by legendary art collector and philanthropist David Nahmad.
Nahmad, a member of the Governing Committee of Lifestyles Magazine/Meaningful Influence, has long championed using art’s universal appeal to fund scientific and humanitarian work.
He played a key advisory role in the “One Picasso for 100 Euros” lottery initiative, helping link the world’s passion for Picasso to causes that improve lives.
In previous editions of the raffle, Nahmad contributed two treasured Picasso paintings from his own collection—works that together raised millions for international cultural and humanitarian programs.
Nahmad has often said that Picasso himself would have approved of such a public cause, believing art should serve people as well as inspire them.
In that spirit, his support for this year’s Alzheimer-focused raffle helped ensure its success and global reach.
The Alzheimer Research Foundation, based in Paris and affiliated with one of the city’s leading hospitals, plans to direct the funds toward cutting-edge studies on early detection, neuroimaging, and immunotherapy treatments that could slow cognitive decline.
Research teams will also continue genetic mapping to identify markers that contribute to disease onset, further strengthening the organization’s position as France’s largest private donor to Alzheimer’s research.
Gilles Dyan, founder of Opera Gallery, supplied the painting “1941 portrait, Head of a Woman “ for the raffle, adding that art can be a true agent of change when paired with purpose.
For the originator of the raffle idea, David Nahmad, that purpose has always been clear.
Through his decades-long relationship with Picasso’s legacy, he continues to blend a collector’s eye with a philanthropist’s heart—making art not just a treasure to possess, but a force capable of healing, discovery, and hope.
Illustration: 1941 portrait “Head of a Woman”.