Derek Valcourt Co-Chairing Memory Ball 2017

TIMONIUM, Md. – The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Maryland Chapter announces that Derek Valcourt (former WJZ-TV reporter and owner/CEO of Creative Spot Productions) will co-chair Memory Ball 2017, its signature fundraising gala.

This premier event – featuring cocktails, dinner, live music and prominent members of the Baltimore community competing as “Dancing Stars,” takes place Saturday, April 8, from 7 p.m., to midnight, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. For more information or to vote for the Dancing Stars, visit www.alz.org/maryland or contact Berit Killingstad bkillingstad@alz.org or 410.561.9099, ext. 230.

Prior to launching a video production company “to help Maryland businesses and organizations tell their stories and shape their video messaging and promotion,” Valcourt enjoyed a 20-year career in broadcast television news.

The bulk of that time –13 years – took place at WJZ-TV, where Valcourt garnered numerous Emmy nominations and a National Capital Emmy Award, as well as several awards from the Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists. He previously earned his journalism stripes reporting, producing and anchoring for newscasts in Alabama, Montana, and Boston, after earning a communications/media degree from Fitchburg State University.

Valcourt had reported on countless missing person’s alerts when Alzheimer's patients have wandered off or gotten lost – often times with sad endings. Wanting to become part of a positive story about local community leaders stepping up in the fight against Alzheimer’s, he volunteered as a Dancing Star at Memory Ball 2015.
His Hip-Hop/Salsa Fusion performance earned the Judges’ Choice Award for best dance performance and he helped raise more than $22,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Memory Ball is one of the most entertaining events of the year in Baltimore and my participation in it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Valcourt who served as an event committee member and Dancing Stars judge in 2016.

“As a co-chair, I’m planning to help the Dancing Stars on their journey as they prepare for their dance and their fundraising efforts,” he added.

Valcourt resides in Pikesville with his husband, WBAL-TV News Anchor Adam May, and their 7-year-old son.

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.