Former United States Congressman and NFL offensive tackle Jon Runyan has launched a “Virtual Ugly Sweater Contest” to help raise money for Alzheimer’s disease research.
“Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in this country, and I wanted to do something that would not only raise awareness but also help fund research on the only cause of death in Top Ten that can’t be prevented, cured, or slowed,” said Runyan.
“At the same time, I also wanted to start now so we could tie the effort to the holiday season and all of the goodwill that flows so freely at this special time of the year.”
“One of the lessons that I learned during my time as a Congressman is that Americans have an enormous national heart and a fantastic desire to help those in need.”
“So with the help of good friends such as Southern New Jersey Business People publisher Jenny Ryan of Haddonfield, Brandon Pugh of Moorestown, Jason Wolf of Cherry Hill, Jason Ravitz of Voorhees, Michelle Nocito of Voorhees, Val Nunnenkamp and his team at their Marlton office, Medford resident Anthony Mongeluzo, I’m leading this special holiday awareness and fundraising campaign for The Alzheimer’s Association.”
Anyone interested in participating can RSVP to the Virtual Ugly Sweater Party on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Linked In. All it takes is a photo or a video of the participant wearing an ugly sweater.
“Just post it on your social media platforms between now and Jan. 30. To donate, anyone can go to Alz.org. Note that the local chapter is The Alzheimer’s Association of the Delaware Valley,” adds Runyan.
“I know that if the contest can get some traction, we can help make a difference,” the Philadelphia Eagle’s former right offensive tackle promises. “So please RSVP with your post or video and invite your friends and family to do the same.”
In 2015, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $226 billion and by 2050, these costs could rise as high as $1.1 trillion.
“But it’s not just the ‘cost’ that drives this effort,” said SNJBP publisher Ryan. “Every 67 seconds someone in the United States develops the disease.”
“And almost two thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women and one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia,” Ryan said.
Everyone can check out a few of the RSVPs and the photos and videos of participants, including Jon Runyan, wearing their “ugly sweaters” on the SNJ Business People Facebook page.
