Memory Ball 2013 “Dancing Stars” Gala

Co-chaired by Terri Taber and George D. Bittar, M.D., F.A.C.C., and emceed by ABC2 News Anchor Jamie Costello, this premier black-tie gala will feature a cocktail reception, full-course dinner, live music by Highway Star and the “Dancing Stars” competition among individuals and couples chosen for their leadership in the community and their support of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Towson Dance Studio, Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Lite on Your Feet Dance Studio, StudioDNA and That’s Dancing Ballroom & Dancesport Center will provide the Dancing Stars lessons prior to the gala.

At Memory Ball 2013, the Dancing Stars will perform a Latin or ballroom number of their choice before a panel of judges that includes:

• -Maryland First Lady Katie O'Malley,
• -Dr. Benjamin Carson (professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics; director, division of pediatric neurosurgery, and co-director, The Johns Hopkins Craniofacial Center),
• -Memory Ball 2012 Champion Tony Foreman (CEO & president/wine director, Foreman Wolf),
• -Miss Maryland USA 2013 Kasey Marie Staniszewski, and
• -Retired Baltimore Colt Bruce Laird (president, the Baltimore Football Club).

The Judge’s Choice Trophy will go to the dancer with the best technical skill and the You’re Our Star Trophy will go to the dancer who raised the most money for the Alzheimer’s Association. Voting takes place online at www.alz.org/maryland before the event and by the audience at the Ball: $1/vote.

An additional highlight will be the presentation of the Helen S. Schulze Award to Gina DeStefano (vice president of development and general counsel of Sturbridge Homes in Annapolis), who has helped the Alzheimer’s Association, not only to continue the fight for a cure, but also to make information and assistance more available to families in her community struggling with all the facets this disease brings.

Corporate sponsor, Pizza Hut of Maryland, Inc., will present a $5,000 gift in DeStefano’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association to support research efforts.

Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association’s many programs and services, as well as raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, which now affect more than 86,000 people in Maryland.