The Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter will be hosting its Second Annual Memory Gala on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at The Westin Charlotte (601 S. College Street).

The event is a memorable night in the fight against a disease that erases such moments. Proceeds provide opportunities critical to fighting Alzheimer’s disease by raising funds for research and local support services.

The black-tie optional event will take place from 6:00-11:00PM and will honor former NFL Great, Marty Schottenheimer (who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s) and his wife Pat. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, a seated dinner, dancing, musical entertainment, wine pull, and silent and live auctions. Starting price points are: Tickets - $250 per person, Tables - $1,500, and Sponsors - $2,500. Early Bird pricing ends Dec. 31, 2017, and the final deadline to RSVP is Feb. 23, 2018. For more information, to reserve tickets or a table, or to be a sponsor, visit http://charlottememorygala.org.

“Life is a series of firsts. The first day of school each year. A first kiss. A first dance. Your first job. The first time you hold your newborn baby. The first time you have to say goodbye to someone you love dearly. Alzheimer’s disease robs us of the memories of these firsts,” said Katherine L. Lambert, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter. “It is from this idea that the Memory Gala was born: To care for the five million Americans whose memories of life’s firsts are being stolen from them.”

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

• One in 10 people age 65 and older (10 percent) has Alzheimer's dementia.

• More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, a number estimated to grow to as many as 16 million by year 2050.

• Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women.

• African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older whites.

• Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older whites.

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 that serves over 100,000 people currently living with Alzheimer's disease in these 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.