Emily & JR Paterakis To Be "Dancing Stars" at Alzheimer's Association Memory Ball Apr. 18

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – Emily and JR Paterakis met at 18 on the dance floor at Towson College in 1976, fell in love and got married six years later. Now, after 33 years of marriage, they are thrilled to rekindle their passion for dancing in order to help others.

The Hunt Valley couple 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).

Both Emily (a nutrition educator) and JR (vice president of sales & marketing and principal co-owner of H&S Bakery, Schmidt Baking and Northeast Foods) share a variety of passions, which include health, fitness and supporting worthy causes for those in need.

At the Memory Ball, they will perform a Bolero to “When you Say You Love Me“ by Josh Groban. They will dedicate their performance in remembrance to beloved family members and friends whose lives have been affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s. This includes a cousin with Lewy Body disease at age 70 and an aunt with dementia.

To vote for Emily and JR, visit http://act.alz.org/goto/Paterakis. 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.