Former President Ronald Reagan died June 4, 2004, after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

About 300 people attended "My Fair Lady, A Tribute to Nancy Reagan," sponsored by the California Central Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association at the Fess Parker DoubleTree Resort. The $200-per-person dinner and silent auction was held to raise money for Alzheimer's research.

The Reagans frequented the Santa Barbara area when they visited their Rancho del Cielo, the mountaintop ranch that was the Western White House from 1981-1989.

"I hope you know that even though I haven't been able to get to Santa Barbara in recent years, you will always hold a special place in my heart. Ronnie loved our time there and was so grateful for the special friendships we made," Mrs. Reagan said.

Son-in-law Dennis Revell, who was married to the former president's late daughter Maureen, praised Mrs. Reagan as a devoted wife and caregiver.

"Nancy Reagan was at the Gipper's side for more than half a century in his journey from motion pictures and head of the Screen Actors Guild to California governor and president of the United States," Revell said.

"She was also there as his diligent and loving caregiver as Alzheimer's disease slowly sapped him of his life over the last decade - that decade she came to refer to as 'The Long Goodbye,'" Revell concluded before introducing Mrs. Reagan on the telephone.

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