More than 500 people are expected to participate in the 7^th Annual Blondes vs. Brunettes Powder Puff Football Game, which is scheduled to take place Saturday, May 19 at Skip Lee Field on the St. John’s School campus –  2501 Claremont Lane Houston, TX 77019. This year, the first team to reach a $75k fundraising goal automatically wins the coin toss with kickoff immediately following at noon. The two teams are divided based on the age-old rivalry between blondes and brunettes, while increasing awareness of Alzheimer’s disease among a new generation. (Note: Redheads are “free agents,” permitted to play for the team of their choice.)

Blondes vs. Brunettes was established by the Alzies, a young professionals group of the Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter, to raise awareness and support of Alzheimer’s disease in greater Houston. To date, the 2012 season has raised over $101,900. Blondes vs. Brunettes has spread to Alzheimer’s Association chapters in many cities nationwide drawing fans, volunteers, supporters and media from all over the country for the big game.

“It is so important that we come together to fight this disease,” said Richard Elbein, Chief Executive Officer of the Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter. “It is good to know we have people in the community willing to support the cause.”

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth leading cause of death.  As many as 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and this number is estimated to grow to as many as 16 million by year 2050.  In Texas alone, there are more than 340,000 thousand people living with Alzheimer’s.

Proceeds from the game support Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter care, support, advocacy, and research efforts.

Click here, for more information or call 713-314-1313.

(credit: Jackson and Sons Commercial Photography

Blondes vs. Brunettes is a volunteer-driven event that raises awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Two teams of women – divided to reflect the age-old rivalry between blondes and brunettes – compete in a flag football game to help end Alzheimer’s. The participants also recruit coaches, announcers and other volunteers to build an atmosphere of fierce, friendly competition. Leading up to game day, the two teams participate in a series of events to socialize and increase awareness for Alzheimer’s disease.

Whether you’re blonde or brunette – or somewhere in between – you can team up to help end Alzheimer’s!

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer 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.  The Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter serves 37 counties in Southeast Texas.  For more information, visit http://www.alz.org/texas.