The Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter will be hosting its Fourth Annual Memory Gala on Saturday, May 16 at The Westin Charlotte (601 S. College Street).

More than 400 influential community and business leaders are expected to attend the gala, which celebrates the lives of loved ones with dementia and raises funds to underwrite the Association’s support, education, advocacy and research efforts. Marnie Schneider will be honored with the 2020 Award of Excellence for the voice she and her family are giving to Alzheimer’s disease. Schneider is the caregiver for her mother – Susan Tose Spencer – who is living with Alzheimer’s and is the former General Manager of the Philadelphia Eagles. Schneider, along with her mom, is also the author of Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog: GameDay in the USA children’s book series.

The black-tie optional event will take place from 6-11 p.m. Guests will enjoy a welcoming reception and silent auction, wine pull, seated dinner, live auction, dancing and musical entertainment provided by Kingdaddy. Starting price points are: Tickets - $300 per person, Tables of 10 - $2,000, and Sponsors - $3,000. Early Bird pricing ends Feb. 15, and the final deadline to RSVP is May 1. For more information, to reserve tickets or a table, or to be a sponsor, visit http://charlottememorygala.org.

“Alzheimer's forces us to realize that memories aren't guaranteed; to rethink our idea of success, and to appreciate the small moments - the smiles, the laughs, the love,” said Katherine L. Lambert, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter. “The Memory Gala was born from this idea and is an impactful way to care for the almost six million Americans whose memories are being stolen from them by this disease. We look forward to bringing everyone together for a memorable night in the fight against a disease that erases such moments.”

Additional Facts and Figures: (http://www.alz.org/facts/)

• Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

• Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s.

• An estimated 5.8 million Americans, including 170,000 North Carolina residents, are living with Alzheimer’s, a number estimated to grow to as many as 14 million by year 2050.

• More than 16 million family and friends, including 473,000 in North Carolina, provide unpaid care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in the United States.

• In 2018, friends and family of those with Alzheimer’s in North Carolina provided an estimated 538 million hours of unpaid care, a contribution valued at $6.8 billion.

About the Alzheimer’s Association:

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.

About the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter:

The Western Carolina Chapter provides patient and family services, information and referral, education, and advocacy in the 49 central and western North Carolina counties. We provide a variety of services including a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, educational programs, and MedicAlert®. We offer opportunities to get involved and to make a difference. For more information about Alzheimer's disease or the Alzheimer's Association Western Carolina Chapter, visit www.alz.org/northcarolina or call (800) 272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.