Des Moines Bridge Club Raises More Than $10,000 for Alzheimer's Research

DES MOINES, Iowa (August 28, 2014) – Members of the Clive-based Hawkeye Bridge Alzstars raised $10,717 by playing bridge from sunrise to sunset on The Longest Day, an annual fundraising event for Alzheimer’s research held on June 21 by the American Contract Bridge League and the Alzheimer’s Association.

More than 160 ACBL clubs in 45 states and Canada were represented on The Longest Day, which together raised a total of $531,332 for the Alzheimer’s Association. Since their partnership began in 2013, ACBL and the Alzheimer’s Association have raised more than $1 million for The Longest Day.

Team captain Nancy Wilson, who has lost someone to the disease, exceeded her initial goal of $1,600 by organizing a full day of bridge games and other activities starting with a walk around the Clive Greenbelt at 6 a.m. Approximately 185 area bridge players attended the day’s activities, which included party bridge, mahjong, bake sales, raffles, craft sales, door prizes, and a wine and cheese party. The Hawkeye Bridge Alzstars was one of 12 teams that raised more than $10,000 for the cause.

“It was so rewarding to see all the donations and support from the community and our fellow bridge players,” Wilson said. “We hope to make this an annual tradition on The Longest Day – we get to play a game we love while giving to a wonderful 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. By raising funds as part of The Longest Day program, bridge players are able to honor friends and loved ones who have been stricken with the disease while also keeping their own mental skills sharp, according to the ACBL and the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Studies have shown strong links between games, such as bridge, and successful aging,” 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. With support from our members like the Hawkeye Bridge Alzstars, we can continue raising awareness and funds for the disease and hopefully introduce bridge to a new audience that can benefit from the mental stimulation.”

The sunrise-to-sunset event, which is held on the summer solstice, supports the Alzheimer’s Association by providing much-needed resources for the care, support and research efforts it leads.

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.

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Media Contact:

Darbi Padbury

American Contract Bridge League

(901) 487-0504

Darbi.Padbury@acbl.org