People & Places: Annual Memory Gala for Alzheimer's Association set for March 7
BY DANNA SUE WALKER World Staff Writer
Monday, February 25, 2013
2/25/13 at 7:09 AM
The Alzheimer's Association's 18th annual Tulsa Memory Gala will be held at 6 p.m. March 7 at the Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom.
Guests will use state-of-the-art kiosk technology for luxury raffle items and a wine pull, and there will also be a live auction of unique items.
This year's theme, "Across the Spectrum," aims to bring to light the far-reaching impact of Alzheimer's disease among families in Tulsa and throughout the country. National Alzheimer's Association president and chief executive officer Harry Johns will be the keynote speaker. Johns has held those positions since 2005.
Under Johns' leadership, the Association began the first nationwide campaign to increase understanding and awareness about Alzheimer's disease; promoted participation in clinical studies; spearheaded a campaign to enhance early detection; developed tools to support those with the disease and their caregivers; and expanded research funding for diagnosis and treatment.
This year's raffle includes trips to Hawaii and New York City, an Apple store package valued at $2,500, a collection of gift certificates to local fine dining establishments valued at $2,500, and much more.
Among the many live auction items are trips to Mexico, a stay in a private golf community in California wine country, and a deep-sea fishing experience in Marathon, Fla.
Guests will also be offered complimentary valet, wine, and dinner service.
Sheila and Ted Haynes are gala chairmen. He is president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, the premiere presenting sponsor.
"There are 74,000 people in Oklahoma living with Alzheimer's and more than 205,000 individuals acting as caregivers. These numbers are escalating rapidly. It is time for all generations to step up and become advocates for Alzheimer's," he said.
Sheila Haynes added: "Now is the time for Oklahomans to acknowledge that Alzheimer's is not just a disease that affects the elderly. Everyone will be impacted in one way or another and it is up to us to find a cure."
Presenting sponsors include American Residential Group, Fayenelle and Jay Helm, Connie and Jeff Cope, and Senior Star. Event design and graphic design is by Talmadge Powell Creative.
Kristin and Jim Bender are honorary gala chairs.
Jeff Cope, who with his wife, Connie, are patron chairs, said, "The Tulsa Memory Gala is the highest-grossing chapter-organized Alzheimer's Association gala in the country, and this year the event committee hopes to surpass last year's fundraising goal."
Other chairs include Richard Grant, auction; Theda and Jon Werthen, patron party; Fayenelle and Jay Helm, raffle; and Jeni Griffin and Marylee Robison, wine pull.
Honorary advisers are Melissa and Andy Brown, Lisa and Dennis Cameron, Rhonda and Greg Casillas, Bryan Close, Robyn and Larry Ewing, Paula and Rick Huck, Leslie and David Lawson, Jackie Kouri and Gary Paxton, Erin and John Peters, Jill and Bob Thomas, and Susan and Bill Thomas.
Proceeds from the event support research for a cure, and the Alzheimer's Association's programs and services that are provided at no charge - including care consultations, caregiver counseling, 24-hour telephone helpline, support groups, information referral, education services and more.
For more information about the gala, sponsor opportunities or raffle and auction items, go to tulsaworld.com/memorygala, or contact Christian Helm Leikam at 918-392-5011 or cleikam@alz.org.
Original Print Headline: Memory Gala set for March 7
Associated Images:
Sheila Haynes (left), Ted Haynes, Jeff Cope, Connie Cope and Talmadge Powell are organizing the Alzheimer's Association's 18th annual Tulsa Memory Gala on March 7. MIKE SIMONS / Tulsa World
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