OKLAHOMA CITY, April 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alzheimer's Association 12th Annual Oklahoma City Memory Gala – May 18 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum – is Oklahoma City's exclusive event designed to combat the devastating realities of Alzheimer's disease, the nation's sixth-leading cause of death.
"People in our community are feeling the burden of Alzheimer's emotionally and financially," said John Richels, Memory Gala Co-chair, President and CEO of Devon Energy. "As our population continues to age, the prevalence of Alzheimer's will increase dramatically. We need to find a cure as soon as possible and take care of those who are facing this enormous challenge. The Memory Gala is a key effort for the Alzheimer's Association and I am confident that Oklahoma City will respond generously."
The event's theme, Facing The Challenge, focuses on fighting the Alzheimer's epidemic in Oklahoma, with an estimated 74,000 Oklahomans living with the disease and over 212,000 individuals serving in caregiving roles.
Lee Allan Smith and John Richels are Gala Co-event Chairs. Other committee members include Patron Chair Gene Rainbolt, Community Awareness Chairs Becky and Barry Switzer, Development Chairs Gennie and Bob Johnson, The Honorable James H. Norick - Former Mayor of Oklahoma City, Sponsorship Chairs Beverley and Roy Smith, Live Auction Chairs Toni Brattin Casso and Tom Casso, Advisory Chairs Alice and Don Dahlgren, and Mission Advancement Chair Dr. William C. Orr.
"Alzheimer's affects far too many of us," said Lee Allan Smith, Memory Gala Co-chair. "Friends, neighbors and family members seem to be impacted every single day. The Alzheimer's Association local office provides free service to those impacted by the disease and the success of this fundraiser is a must."
Proceeds from the event directly support critically needed 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.
Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy are Presenting Sponsors of this year's event. Additional sponsors include Cypress Springs Alzheimer's and Memory Care Residence, Bancfirst, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Crossroads Hospice, Integris Health, Alice and Don Dahlgren, the Myers Family, Christy and Jim Everest, Peggy and Nick Duncan, BOK, Judy and Tom Love, Sara and Rob Northwood, Inasmuch Foundation, Hudiburg Auto Group and Oklahoma Events, Inc.
Silent and live auction items are pivotal to the event's mission and success. Auction items include a trip for two to the final rounds of the prestigious 2013 Masters Golf Tournament, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers package featuring dinner with Gerald McCoy, an OU-Texas game package with 50-yard line tickets and accommodations at Hotel Zaza, a week in a Tuscan villa with cooking lessons and a vineyard tour, VIP trip to the 2012 Country Music Association Awards and exclusive travel packages to Cozumel, Colorado and Las Vegas.
The evening will include exquisite dinner service, fine wine, a special presentation of the Maureen Reagan Award to Jim Morris for his commitment to changing the trajectory of the disease, a special appearance by 2007 Miss America Lauren Nelson and an exciting program featuring keynote speaker, Becky Switzer.
"Alzheimer's came like a thief in the night, stealing my mother," said Becky Switzer. "We are deeply grateful for the hearts, souls and minds who continue to dedicate themselves to coax this thief called Alzheimer's to come out of the shadows and step into the light. As Community Awareness Chairs of the 2012 Oklahoma City Memory Gala, Barry and I urge you to consider supporting this crucial event."
For more information about the Alzheimer's Association 12th Annual Oklahoma City Memory Gala, auction opportunities or to purchase tickets, visit www.okcmemorygala.org.