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Community Corner

Blondes and Brunettes Tackle Alzheimer’s with Charity Football Game

Minneapolis, MN, July 24, 2013 -- It is not a question of who has more fun, but rather who has more game on the gridiron. On Oct. 12, 2013, for the first time ever, the Alzheimer’s Association Blondes vs. Brunettes® (BvB) will take place in the Twin Cities at Hamline University, St. Paul, Klas Field. The game promises an intense rivalry of blondes versus brunettes, blocking, sprinting and intercepting, all in the name of Alzheimer’s.

Blondes vs. Brunettes is a volunteer-driven event that brings young professionals together to support the Alzheimer’s Association. The event is organized around a flag football game in which the two participating teams are divided based on the age-old rivalry between blondes and brunettes. Redheads are free agents.  Teams also recruit coaches, announcers and other volunteers to build an atmosphere of fierce, friendly competition.

Leading up to game day, teams participate in a series of events to socialize and increase awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, each player works to raise money to benefit the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Ultimately, Blondes vs. Brunettes hopes to meld the passion and spirit of young community leaders with the fight to end Alzheimer’s.

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“My dad is among the 5.4 million Americans who have Alzheimer’s disease,” said Alisa Kiskis Bartel, Blonde Co-Chair of Blondes vs. Brunettes Twin Cities. “It is estimated that one in ten Americans over the age of 65 and nearly half of people over the age of 85 have Alzheimer's disease. But what’s most alarming is that a small percentage of people in their thirties and forties are being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's is a progressive and fatal disease. My co-chair, Breanna Olson, and I are passionate about educating the next generation and providing them with a platform to get involved, raise money and build awareness.”

Everyone is encouraged to get involved, no matter level of ability, hair color or gender. Blondes vs. Brunettes Twin Cities is currently recruiting superfans, cheerleaders, and anyone interested in serving on planning committees. Email BvBTwinCities@gmail.com to participate or for more information visit http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=4240&pg=entry.

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Since its inception in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2005, the event has successfully branched out to more than 30 cities nationwide, raising more than $3 million, and bringing thousands of new supporters to the cause.

About Blondes vs. Brunettes Twin Cities

Blondes vs. Brunettes Twin Cities is a volunteer event for young leaders to compete in a flag football game to raise awareness & funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. The mission of the Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter 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. Their vision, and ours, is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, photos and up-to-date event details visit the organization’s local Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blondes-vs-Brunettes-Twin-Cities/448533525206541or

About Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the world’s 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. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

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