Blondes vs. Brunettes will vie for charity

Staff Report

AKRON

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter is making preparations for its newest fundraising event, Blondes vs. Brunettes, an organized flag football game, set for June 1 at the indoor Stile Athletics Field House at the University of Akron.

The event is a volunteer initiative that brings professional women in their 20s and 30s together to support the Alzheimer’s Association.

Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. and divides teams in the age-old rivalry between blondes and brunettes. Redheads are considered free agents and can play on either side.

A tailgate party will begin at noon with a number of activities available. Tickets cost $20, and children 12 and under are admitted free.

Local women participating are Alexandra Hoopes, a Salem resident, formerly of Leetonia and a student at Kent State University, whose grandfather is battling Alzheimer’s. She credits her sister, Cassandra, with getting her involved with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Boardman last October, and she thought this effort would be another way to support the Alzheimer’s mission. Because of a family connection, Kate Stambaugh of Copley, formerly of Leetonia, is committed to fighting the disease. Her grandmother developed Alzheimer’s at 59 and has been a resident in a health center in Salem for many years.

Blondes vs. Brunettes was created in 2005 by a group of young professional women in Washington, D.C., who had a personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease and organized the event to increase awareness and raise funds. Its objective is to engage a younger audience in the Alzheimer’s Association and to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease among a younger generation.

Funds raised will benefit programs and services for care, support, advocacy and research. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death after the age of 65.

For information or to purchase tickets, contact Cindy Baker, community development coordinator, at 330-650-0552, email cbaker1@alz.org or visit www.bvbakron.org.