Jill Center, Chapter Communications Director
650-962-8111, x.1324; Jill.Center@alz.org; Cell: 415-730-5958
MEDIA ADVISORY
Reporters Invited
GROWING URGENCY MOVES FIRST-EVER SILICON VALLEY ALZHEIMER’S EVENT – MEMORY WALK 2008
• 1,000 Expected to Attend Saturday, September 20th @ Arena Green, San Jose
• World Alzheimer’s Day (Sept 21st) Multicultural Celebrations also Set for Saturday
(Mountain View, CALIF) September 15, 2008 – Silicon Valley residents and professionals are on the MOVE to end Alzheimer’s disease, many forming teams for the annual Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk, the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, advocacy and research.
Memory Walk began in 1989. In 2007, Memory Walk raised more than $35 million and was held in 570 locations across the country. The nationwide 2008 Memory Walk goals are: 25,000 volunteers; 200,000 participants; and $45 million raised. In 2007 the Greater Bay Area Memory Walk, with 7,000 in attendance on Treasure Island, became the first Million Dollar Walk in the US. The Silicon Valley Walk was added this year to reach the thousands of Santa Clara County residents who have been touched by Alzheimer’s.
| Where | Silicon Valley Memory Walk – Arena Green, San Jose, next to HP Pavilion |
| When | Saturday, September 20th (10:00 am – Walk Starts) |
| Co-Chairs | Peter Daly & Grace Lee (Alzheimer’s Association Chapter Board Members) |
| Special Guests | Include: San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and Councilman Pete Constant |
| MC | Dave Benson, KFOG—104.5 FM |
| Program | Schedule and times listed below, including Multicultural Events and information about World Alzheimer’s Day |
| How: | FREE. Participants are encouraged to fundraise and all those who raise $100+ will receive, at the event, a commemorative 2008 Memory Walk T-shirt. There is an incentive prizes program for those raising over $300. Those raising $1,000+ are Very Important Fundraisers (VIF) and will receive special benefits. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org/norcal, or 800-272-3900; all are invited to participate. |
| Media: | Interview and photo opportunities with Team Captains, family members and Alzheimer’s Association staff are available at any time before and during Memory Walk. |
| Presenting Sponsors |
Nationally presented with the support of Genworth Financial. |
| Media Sponsors | Television: CBS TV 5 and CW Bay Area. Radio: KFOG-104.5 FM. |
World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21
Earth is in the midst of a dementia epidemic: 30 million now have dementia worldwide, 100 million will have it by mid-century. World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21st, is a special time that spotlights and unites people affected by dementia, caregivers and Alzheimer Associations around the globe and here in California. In California: Alzheimer’s does not discriminate. Every ethnic group will have a significant increase in dementia cases.
In California: Alzheimer’s by Race/Ethnicity Percentage Increases from 2008-2030
(Source: Institute for Health & Aging, UCSF, for the Alzheimer’s Association):
White +35%
African American +49%
Latino +67%
Asian/Pacific Islander +63%
Native American +70%
Multirace +69%
Dementia presents one of the greatest health and social challenges of our time, yet it does not have the recognition it demands. Around the nation, and around the world – in partnership with Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the Alzheimer’s Association is working to change that with information and celebrations such as the following. Additional information for World Alzheimer’s Day will also be available at Memory Walk Silicon Valley.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: 1st Silicon Valley Memory Walk (2/20/08) –
8:30-9:25 am
World Alzheimer’s Day Performances by:
Manuia Polynesian Revue
China Dance Academy
Seizmos, Annunciation Cathedral Greek Orthodox Church, San Francisco
Korean Dancers – Ong Dance Company, Choreography: Kyoungil Ong,
Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead presentation
9:45 am
Welcome from Alzheimer’s Association Chapter CEO William Fisher
Ribbon-cutting and opening remarks: San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed
Councilman Pete Constant and others to be recognized
10:00 am
Walk begins – 3-mile walk, or 1.5 mile shortcut, along Guadalupe River Parkway
10:45 am
Entertainment begins on the stage – Men Behaving Loudly
11:30 am
Remembrance Ceremony begins
11:45 am
Post-walk briefing, including Alzheimer’s news and Latest Research
11:55 am
Men Behaving Loudly at the stage.
Alzheimer’s, the Alzheimer’s Association & Memory Walk
• Every 71 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s
• Alzheimer’s is now the 6th leading cause of death in the US
• More than 5 M Americans now have Alzheimer’s – 30 M Worldwide have dementia
• Coming: 16 M Americans – 100 M Worldwide – will have Alzheimer’s by Mid-Century
The Alzheimer’s Association is America’s leading non-governmental provider of support and education for Alzheimer’s patients, families and healthcare providers. Memory Walk is organized by the Alzheimer’s Association and by families and individuals touched by Alzheimer’s, to raise funds and awareness.
Memory Walk has raised more than $265 million and is the largest national Alzheimer’s disease fundraising event. Memory Walk proceeds remain in the local community and are applied toward the growing need for Association services, including a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900), free newsletter, support groups (caregivers and early stage individuals), information, education and training including support in multiple languages, online Helpline (www.alz.org/norcal), collaborative partnerships with diverse communities, advocacy and research. The Alzheimer’s Association has awarded more than $225 million in peer-reviewed research grants since 1982 and is the largest private funder of Alzheimer research.
Media Contacts & parking/logistics: Jill Center, 650-962-8111, x1324; Cell: 415-730-5958
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