My fellow real estate professional Bill Howard started a golf tournament to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association 14 years ago after his father died of Alzheimer’s disease. Along with a dedicated committee, the Charlottesville commercial real estate agent and community leader has devoted every spring to raising funds and awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.
This year I joined the committee that organizes these events because my father also suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. The cause is very important to me. Did you know that Alzheimer’s is now the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. and that among the Top 10 causes of death, Alzheimer’s disease is the only one that cannot be prevented, slowed or stopped?
This year’s tournament will be on Thursday, May 2 at the beautiful Birdwood Golf Course. The Derby Party showcasing Charlottesville’s own fabulous dance band Big Ray & the Kool Kats will be on Friday, May 3 at the Charlottesville Omni Hotel. There will be delectable dinner selections, local wines and beer. The evening will also feature the always-popular silent auction and horse racing game.
For 2013, the committee has set a goal to raise $100,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Your support of the 15th Annual Bill Howard Golf Tournament and Derby Party makes a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease in Central and Western Virginia. We look forward to having you as our guest at these events and are grateful that you have chosen to make a difference in the fight to END Alzheimer’s.
Whether you play golf and are able to enter a team in the tournament or you choose to attend the Derby Party, with your support, we will reach our goal!
Derby Party RSVP:
For reservations, call or email:
Leanne Probst, Events Manager
(434) 973-6122, ext. 109
[email protected]
Let me tell you a little about the Alzheimer’s Association Central and Western Virginia Chapter:
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. The Chapter serves 51 counties and cities including Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, Roanoke and Danville.
Each year, the Alzheimer’s Association issues its Facts & Figures Report. The 2013 Facts & Figures was released in March. What it says: An estimated 5.2 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease in 2013. This includes an estimated 5 million people age 65 and older and approximately 200,000 individuals younger than age 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will grow as the U.S. population age 65 and older continues to increase. By 2025, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to reach 7.1 million—a 40 percent increase from the 5 million age 65 and older currently affected. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease may nearly triple, from 5 million to a projected 13.8 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or stop the disease.