The Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter will honor Rob Durham, president and CEO of HKM Direct Market Communications, with its highest honor – the Champion Award – for his tireless commitment to raising awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
More than 400 people are expected to attend A Celebration of Hope, presented by The MetroHealth System, on May 16 at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns. The event is set to raise $355,000 to support research and local Alzheimer’s Association caregiver programs and services. Akram Boutros, MD, president and CEO of MetroHealth, is the event honorary chair.
HKM Direct Market Communications is the Halftime level sponsor. Some of the event’s other top sponsors include the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health as the chapter’s Mission Partner; Covia and Vox Mobile at the Super Bowl level; Diane and Tom Detelich, The Sherwin-Williams Company, Dollar Bank and Tucker Ellis LLP at the All-Pro level.
In keeping with the football theme, guests will enjoy a tailgate-inspired cocktail reception, photo ops with Chomps, the Browns mascot, and live entertainment.
The fight against Alzheimer’s is personal for Durham, of Chagrin Falls. “The Alzheimer’s Association was there when our family needed them the most. My father, George, had just been diagnosed. We as a family needed to better understand the disease and how we could provide him with the best care possible.
“We also realized that it was very important to keep my Dad as engaged with us and his friends as much as possible. The Alzheimer’s Association’s free dementia care coaching and adult classes helped us immensely,” he said.
Nancy Udelson, chapter president & CEO, praised Durham’s leadership and vision that has significantly improved the lives of countless people in the Cleveland Area Chapter’s five-county service area.
“Rob is a champion for people with Alzheimer’s, their family, friends and caregivers,” she says. “His dedication, support and leadership by example truly is making a difference in our communities.”
Event committee chairs are Jeff Huntsberger, of Chardon, Sam Martello of Westlake and Ann Paras of Avon Lake.
Other event highlights include a getaway trip raffle, a silent auction, “Fund A Need” live auction, wine pull, grab bags, and much more – all in a new venue with a new look and format. Guests will enjoy views of Lake Erie while mingling during the cocktail hour in “stadium chic” attire. Tickets are $250 each with tables of 10 at $2,500. Consider gathering friends or family members and purchasing a table.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities and to purchase tickets, contact [email protected] or call 216.342.5566.
ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CLEVELAND AREA CHAPTER
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. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.
