NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Alzheimer’s Association Blondes vs. Brunettes Westchester flag football game kicks off on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 2pm on campus at the New Rochelle High School in New Rochelle, NY. The city and school campus will be gearing up for two teams of women players, divided based on hair color, in a bold and beautiful flag football game held to raise funds and help increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease among a new generation (Note: Redheads and other hair colors of choice are “free agents,” who can to play for either team). Funds raised will benefit the care, support, advocacy and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association – Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester, NY Chapter.
The first Blondes vs. Brunettes (BvB) game was held in Washington D.C. in 2005. Since its inception, BvB has expanded to games in Austin, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and New York. Together, BvB events have raised more than $2 million in an effort to tackle Alzheimer’s disease.
Sydney Binney, office manager and recruiter for the Blondes vs. Brunettes Westchester event said, “Blondes vs. Brunettes is raising awareness and funds in an effort to stop this devastating epidemic. At least 25,000 people in Westchester County have Alzheimer’s, and more than 75,000 people take demanding roles as caregivers. This disease is known to present even more risk in Latino and African-American communities. We need the women, especially of lower Westchester County, to come out for a fun competition and rush the end zone to create a world without Alzheimer’s.”
In addition to the headlining Blondes vs. Brunettes flag football game, there are game practices and draft parties. Local celebrities plan to join in. To sign up, volunteer, or receive more information, call Sydney Binney at 914-253-6860, email sbinney@alz.org, visit us online at act.alz.org/BvBwestchester or on our Facebook page: Blondes vs. Brunettes Westchester, NY.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth leading cause of death. As many as 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and this number is estimated to grow to as many as 16 million by year 2050. In New York State alone, there are 320,000 people living with Alzheimer’s, and nearly one million caregivers. For information about educational programs, support groups and other services, call the Alzheimer’s Association – Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester, NY Chapter at 800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/hudsonvalley.