Meet the passionate team of leaders raising money for Alzheimer’s research + care in Alabama—here’s how to get involved

Grace Howard

As a person with firsthand experience of how Alzheimer’s disease can affect families, I understand the enormous challenges it presents. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and, chances are, someone in your life is impacted by it. Deep in Alabama, a team of leaders is joining forces with the Alzheimer’s Association to boost research and care for those affected by the illness. Let’s meet the Executive Leadership Team set to spearhead initiatives in 2024, look back at last year’s standout fundraiser, and explore ways you can pitch in.

The team’s role in supporting Alzheimer’s research + care

In 2022, the Alabama chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association put together its maiden Executive Leadership Team to take part in a gung-ho fundraising competition. The singular goal was simple—garner as much money as possible leading up to the Heart of Alabama Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The team’s nine-month commitment involves the following:

• Setting a personal fundraising goal of $2,500+
• Fundraising within their personal companies
• Competing in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraising event
• Recruiting other companies to sponsor the event

Spotlight on the 2024 Executive Leadership Team

Let’s meet the enthusiastic 2024 Executive Leadership Team:

1. David George, retired nonprofit executive
2. Michelle Lorino, STERIS
3. Dan Parker, Medical Properties Trust
4. Paul Yeager, Marathon Financial Group
5. Kimberly Stephens, Domit Investment Group
6. Janine Bevelle, RFG Advisory

The top fundraiser will be honored as the 2024 Walk Champion of the Year. We are all excited to see what they achieve this year!

Meet Paul Yeager, the 2023 Walk Champion

In 2023, Paul Yeager stood out as the highest fundraiser for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, having raked in nearly $37,000 with support from colleagues and local sponsorships. I had the chance to catch up with Paul to discuss his extraordinary fundraising efforts and personal connection to the disease.

“Around four to five years ago, we noticed my dad’s memory fading. It started with him asking the same questions and repeating himself. About two years later, we finally convinced him to get a brain scan, and the doctors confirmed he was in stage two—borderline stage three—of dementia. One of my missions is to dismantle the stigma around talking about Alzheimer’s. Before my involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association, I never mentioned my dad’s condition to anyone. It’s astounding to discover the number of people who are affected in some way.” says Paul Yeager.

With his mission in mind, Yeager embarked on a fundraising drive within the Birmingham community, where he organized a fundraising contest within his company, RFG Advisory, sought the help of friends and colleagues, and even collaborated with local restaurants for dine-and-donate benefit nights.

Join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s—September 29

Mark your calendar—on Sunday, September 29, you can participate in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Birmingham at Sloss Furnaces. Join the community in the fight to #endalz and register today. Stay updated on walk news and events by following them on Instagram.

Grace Howard