Fred's Bridge Club Raises $23,000 for Alzheimer's Research

Fred’s Bridge Club Raises $23,000 for Alzheimer’s Research

ATHENS, Ga. (July 1, 2015) – Fred’s Bridge Club raised $23,000 for Alzheimer’s research by playing a daylong game of bridge on The Longest Day, an annual fundraising event held on June 21 by the Alzheimer’s Association and its global partner the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL).

So far, ACBL has calculated approximately $500,000 in total donations from the 197 participating bridge clubs across 44 states and Canada, and it expects that number to grow to more than $600,000 after the final numbers are reported. Since their partnership began in 2013, bridge players and ACBL have raised more than $1.5 million on The Longest Day.

Fred’s Bridge Club team captain Joe Sinkey set an initial goal to raise $3,000 on The Longest Day. Fred’s Bridge Club was one of just 12 teams that raised more than $10,000 for the cause.

With an average age of 69, ACBL’s members – most of whom play regularly at local bridge clubs – are significantly affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The Longest Day is an opportunity for bridge players to join the fight against the disease while receiving the mental and social healthy aging benefits the game of bridge offers. A 2014 study by the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center found that, by playing card and board games, such as bridge, older people can better retain their mental sharpness.

“Studies have shown strong links between cognitive training and social activity – two of bridge’s chief benefits – and improved brain health,” said Robert Hartman, CEO of the ACBL. “The game alone challenges and stimulates mental acuity, but there’s also a strong social aspect that can aid with successful aging. This year’s record level of support shows how committed our members remain to trying to raise awareness about the disease.”

About the ACBL

Founded in 1937, the ACBL is the largest bridge organization in the world, serving 167,000 members and 3,200 bridge clubs and sanctioning 1,100 sectional and regional tournaments annually. The ACBL’s three North American Bridge Championships each attract up to 5,000 players representing every state in the United States, Canada and about 20 other foreign countries. A challenging and rewarding card game, bridge attracts players of all ages and walks of life – from Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to poker star Phil Gordon. For more information about the ACBL, visit www.acbl.org.

About the 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. Visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.