Ken Rochon To Compete as "Dancing Star" at Alzheimer's Association Memory Ball Apr. 18

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. – As an expert social networker and recipient of America’s Most Influential Business Connector of 2010, Ken Rochon, will attempt to use his networking abilities to impress and promote himself on the dance floor – for a worthy cause.

The Ellicott City resident and founder of The Umbrella Syndicate will be one of 10 performing as a “Dancing Star” at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Ball, Saturday, Apr. 18, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.

This premier Baltimore event – emceed by ABC2 News Anchor Jamie Costello – features cocktails, dinner and music by local band, Highway Star. The highlight is the dance competition to win the Judge’s Choice Trophy for best dance and the You’re Our Star Trophy based on “votes” tied to donations ($1 per vote online and at the event).

Ken signed on as a “Dancing Star” because the cause hits close to home.

“My Mom, who was the most optimistic person I have ever known, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and I soon learned the hard way how cruel of a disease it is,” Ken explained. “No cure, and no matter how hopeful or optimistic I was, I couldn’t change the fact that my Mom was disappearing every day.”

“When she passed, I realized the life I was leading wasn’t one that was powerful enough. My life was about being successful and not about purpose,” he added. “I realized that my life had to be spent making a difference. My Mom taught me the most valuable lesson I will probably ever learn and that is how precious life is. When your time is up, it is important that you did something of value.”

With that in mind, Ken will perform Disco/Salsa to “Disco Inferno” at the Memory Ball “to raise money for Alzheimer’s and to bring more awareness to the cause.”

To vote for Ken, visit http://act.alz.org/goto/KenRochon. To purchase tickets to the Memory Ball or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit alz.org/maryland or call 800.272.3900.

Event proceeds will fund supportive services of the Alzheimer’s Association and critical research for a cure. More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease, 97,000 in Maryland and every 67 seconds that number increases by one. Alzheimer’s is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its 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. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.