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:
- David George, retired nonprofit executive
- Michelle Lorino, STERIS
- Dan Parker, Medical Properties Trust
- Paul Yeager, Marathon Financial Group
- Kimberly Stephens, Domit Investment Group
- 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
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
