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The Alzheimer's Association is leveraging the growing trend of "givingcircles(1)," individuals who gather socially to educate friends and familyabout an issue close to them while asking for donations to fight the cause. Arecent survey conducted by the Alzheimer's Association reveals that 82 percentof Americans are most likely to make a donation when asked by a friend orfamily member or when asked to attend a dinner party or other social event tobenefit a cause. The survey also revealed that 81 percent would be morewilling to make a donation if they knew their money would be matched by afoundation or corporate sponsor.
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"We hope this 'socially responsible' party trend will help us conquer thisdebilitating disease," said Harry Johns, Alzheimer's Association President andCEO. "As baby boomers age, the population of Americans who are affected byAlzheimer's disease is expected to grow to as many as 16 million over the nextfew decades. Our hope is that both people who have been affected by thedisease, as well as those who have not, will get involved in the fight andhelp bring us one step closer to a world without Alzheimer's."
Parties with a Purpose
Celebrity party planner and author, David Tutera, is Championing the causeby showing Americans how to host World Alzheimer's Day Purple Parties,inspired by the official color of the Association. Having lost two of hisgrandparents to Alzheimer's, he has been personally affected by the disease."Alzheimer's is a devastating disease with no current cure, which haspersonally touched me, my family and friends," said Tutera. "I can't think ofa better way to raise awareness of Alzheimer's and money to help combat itthan by gathering the people you love to connect with each other and make adifference."
Tutera's Guide to World Alzheimer's Day Purple Parties, found online athttp://www.actionalz.org, provides everything from decor and menu ideas toinvitation designs and etiquette on "making the ask." He has created ideasfor various types of parties: dinner gathering, cocktail soiree and a dessertbash. Visit http://www.actionalz.org to download the planning kit and helpbring the Alzheimer's Association one step closer to a cure.
The Harrah's Foundation Completes the "Giving Circle"
To support the World Alzheimer's Day goal, The Harrah's Foundation haspledged to match the $1 million raised in support of World Alzheimer's Daywith an additional $1 million. The Foundation has been working with theAlzheimer's Association since 2004 to raise awareness about the disease.
"Harrah's understands the impact of Alzheimer's disease on families andfriends," said Chuck Atwood, chairman of the Harrah's Foundation and vicechairman of the board of Harrah's Entertainment. "We hope the offer to match$1 million will inspire the public to learn about Alzheimer's and encourageother companies to support this important cause."
Commitment to a Cure
More than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease -- a diseasewhich is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. TheAlzheimer's Association's commitment to raising awareness and funds on WorldAlzheimer's Day is part of an accelerating worldwide effort under way to findbetter ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, or prevent it fromdeveloping.
About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organizationin Alzheimer's research, care and support. Our mission is to elim
