This fundraiser has legs ? and it knows how to use them.
The Alzheimer’s Association will hold its annual Memory Ball gala Saturday to raise money for research and support for the disease. The theme of the ball is Dancing with the Stars, inspired by the popular television show.
“Everyone I knew was addicted to the show,” said Memory Ball co-chair Hannah Keys Rodewald.
Celebrity dancers include ice skating gold medalist Dorothy Hamill, WJZ-TV anchor Denise Koch, former Baltimore Colt and Washington Redskin Joe Washington and many more. Dancers earn votes, which cost $1, online before the event.
One of the dancers participating is Laura Mackey, whose father, John Mackey, a former Baltimore Colt, suffers from front temporal dementia. “My Dad doesn?t have Alzheimer’s, but it?s the same form of dementia with the same symptoms,” she said. “It is a good way to bring light to not only Alzheimer?s but other dementias as well.”
Philanthropist and participating dancer Melanie Sabelhaus is no stranger to Alzheimer?s. Her aunt, whom she affectionately calls Auntie Boo, and her mother both suffered from it.
“The interesting thing is, you get to be my age, and you start to hear from very dear friends that their family members are starting to move into Alzheimer?s, which is what happened with my aunt and my mom,” Sabelhaus said. “That?s why I?m committed to the association. I?ll be dancing the tango big time for them.”
Keys Rodewald has been involved with the organization for five years. “I?m personally interested in Alzheimer?s because my brother-in-law has it,” she said. “My family is very lucky that they have boththe medical insurance and the help to care for him, but I look at how much medical care and support he needs, and I just don’t know how families piece it together.”
“It?s not a disease that straightens itself out and then everything goes back to normal,” Rodewald said. “It goes on for years.”
The proceeds from the event, which have already exceeded $40,000, will be donated to services, advocacy, research and education for Alzheimer?s patients and their families.
“One of the ways to prevent the onset of Alzheimer?s is to keep your mind and body active. Dancing is a really good activity. Anyone can do it no matter what exercise you do, it’s fun, it?s social, it keeps people connected and keeps minds active,” Rodewald said. “The fact that dancing is the main focus of the ball is not a coincidence.”
“It?s not just the disease of today; it will be the disease of the future,” Mackey said. “We want to do whatever we can do to help raise awareness.”
IF YOU GO
» What: Memory Ball 2007: Dancing With The Stars
» Where: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel, 700 Aliceanna St., Baltimore
» When: Saturday at 7 p.m.
» Cost: $250 per person/$2,500 for table of 10
