Sigma Kappa Supports Alzheimer's Association with $1 Million Gift
CARMEL, Ind., July 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sigma Kappa Foundation presented the Alzheimer's Association with the $1 million lead gift for the Women's Research Initiative at Sigma Kappa's 87th National Convention in Chicago. The gift will fund clinical research focused on women and studies led by female researchers working to advance Alzheimer's and dementia science. This commitment places Sigma Kappa among some of the largest private donors to Alzheimer's research.
The Alzheimer's Association Women's Initiative will engage 1 million women in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's – of the five million Americans living with the disease, two-thirds are women, and 60% of caregivers are women.
When the $1 million pledge was made by the Sigma Kappa Foundation in 2014, Carolyn Tieger, Foundation Trustee and Sorority alumna from the University of Georgia, challenged her Sigma Kappa sisters to raise half of the pledge in two years rather than five the Alzheimer's Association provided, and she would match it. Through the generous donations of Sigma Kappa members, friends and family, more than $500,000 was raised to meet the challenge for Tieger's $500,000 matching gift. Tieger said, "I have never been more proud to be a Sigma Kappa. Our gift, achieved in record time, will jump start the Women's Research Initiative and provide hope to millions of Alzheimer's victims and their families."
"Since 1984, Sigma Kappa has donated $4.64 million to advance the fight against Alzheimer's disease," said Sigma Kappa's outgoing national president, Cheri De Jong. "We recognize the impact of this disease, especially on women, which is why our members are committed to this cause."
"This $1 million gift to the Alzheimer's Association completes the first phase of our $5 million Shared Hearts. New Heights. A Campaign for Sigma Kappa, focused on leadership, scholarship and philanthropy," added Foundation President Sarah Womble.
The Sigma Kappa Foundation's mission is to create and fund leadership, scholarship and philanthropic initiatives that reflect the values and spirit of Sigma Kappa Sorority.
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.
CONTACT: Lisa Swiontek, [email protected], 1-317-418-3645
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160714/389759
SOURCE Sigma Kappa Foundation
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