Charlotte Memory Gala raises over $700,000 for Alzheimer’s research and support

More than 300 guests attended the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter annual Charlotte Memory Gala on Saturday, May 3 and raised over $700,000 for Alzheimer’s research, education and quality care. This marks a 17% increase over last year’s total, making it a record-breaking event. 

Chaired by Steve and Dee Dee Leeolou, this year’s Memory Gala was held at The Westin Charlotte and featured a live and silent auction, seated dinner, and live music by Musically Yours and The Herringbones. 

Some symbolic mission moments included:

• A powerful video highlighted Carter Grine and his wife Cate Mills, two tireless advocates for the Alzheimer’s Association. Carter was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 58 and just three years into their marriage. This touching video brought a standing ovation for the couple in attendance.

• One of the live auction items included an in-home dinner experience from Cordon Bleu chef Christopher Zion, who shared his personal connection to the disease and honored his father through his culinary contribution.

• This year’s Award of Excellence was presented to Pat McKee and his wife Julie Russo, owners of McKee Homes, for their decade-long commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association. In honor of Pat’s father, Joe McKee, who battled Alzheimer’s for ten years, the couple has pledged to raise and donate a cumulative total of $1 million over the next few years. Their passion also inspires the entire company to take action in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. 

“The generosity and passion shown at this year’s Charlotte Memory Gala are nothing short of extraordinary,” said Katherine Lambert, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter. “Raising over $700,000 not only sets a new record, but it also brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s. Every dollar raised fuels critical research and provides vital support for the nearly 211,000 North Carolinians living with the disease and their 381,000 caregivers. We are deeply grateful to our community for standing with us in this fight.”

For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association Charlotte Memory Gala, visit CharlotteMemoryGala.org  or the Charlotte Memory Gala Facebook Group. Want to inquire about next year’s event? Send an email to infonc@alz.org.

Event photos can be viewed here.

Special thanks to esteemed photographer Daniel Coston and staff member Paula Zembal for sharing their talents with us!