(WASHINGTON D.C.)
George and Trish Vradenburg return to
co-chair The Alzheimer’s Association
National Gala for the sixth consecutive
year. Joining them as Gala Co-Chair is
Thomas C. Nelson, Chief Operating Officer of
AARP. The Gala will be held on Wednesday,
March 25, 2009 at the National Building
Museum, Washington D.C.
The Alzheimer’s Association National Gala
raises significant funds and awareness for
Alzheimer’s disease. Currently,
as many as 5.2 million Americans are living
with Alzheimer’s disease, and this number is
estimated
to grow to as many as 16 million by the year
2050. In Washington D.C. alone, more than
10,000 have Alzheimer’s disease.
The
Vradenburgs have chaired the Gala since its
inception in 2004 helping
to raise more than $6 million for Alzheimer
care, support and research. In addition to
their work with the Gala they continue to
collaborate with the Alzheimer’s Association
to engage political figures including U.S.
Secretary
of State Nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Susan Collins, who
have served as co-chairs of the Bipartisan
Senate Task Force on
Alzheimer’s disease.
Co-Chair Nelson has served on the Gala’s
benefits committee for the past two years.
As a result 15 new companies have been
introduced to this event and have generated
more than $200,000 in revenue.
This year the Vradenburgs and Nelson will
join the Alzheimer's Association in
introducing the new Young Champions Award,
honoring a young professional who
demonstrates commitment to the Alzheimer’s
cause through philanthropy, volunteerism or
advocacy. The Sargent and Eunice Shriver
Profiles in Dignity Award for caregiving and
the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research award
will also be presented at the Gala.
For
more information about the Alzheimer’s
Association National Gala or to order
tickets, call the Alzheimer’s Association at
(202) 638-8673.
The
Alzheimer’s Association
The
Alzheimer's Association is the leading
voluntary health organization in Alzheimer
care, support and research. Our mission is
to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the
advancement of research; to provide and
enhance care and support for all affected;
and to reduce the risk of dementia through
the promotion of brain health. Our vision is
a world without Alzheimer’s. For more
information, visit
www.alz.org