ATLANTA— State Representative Elly Dobbs (D–Atlanta) will compete as a celebrity dance contestant in Dancing Stars of Atlanta, a fundraising benefit for the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The event will be held at 6:00 PM on May 16, 2010 at the Foundry at Puritan Mill. Dancing Stars of Atlanta will feature 10 celebrity dancers paired with 10 professional dancers, all raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association by gaining votes in a one night gala dance competition
“I am honored to be a part of this exciting opportunity to support the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Representative Dobbs. “My mother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, so this is an issue that hits close to home for me. I will be dancing in memory of her and in support of all the patients and families who are currently struggling with the disease.”
Dancing Stars of Atlanta was inspired by the television show “Dancing with the Stars.” However, this Alzheimer’s Association benefit has a slight fundraising twist. In the Dancing Stars of Atlanta benefit, viewers support their favorite local celebrity by “voting” for them with every dollar donated counting as one vote.
Representative Dobbs, who had never been to a dance class before Dancing Stars of Atlanta, is partnered with Christjohn Batters. Batters is an instructor and assistant manager at the Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta. The pair has raised over $4,000 of their $5,000 goal. Click here to learn how to buy tickets, vote, or donate in support of the Alzheimer’s Association Dancing Stars of Atlanta.
Dancing Stars of Atlanta’s goal is to support the Alzheimer’s Association in its goal to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research and promotion of brain health to enhance care and support for all individuals, their families, and caregivers. The Metro Atlanta Region of the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter provides programs, services, and educational opportunities to help with these goals.
It is estimated that more than 200,000 Georgians have Alzheimer’s disease. Presently, someone develops Alzheimer’s every 70 seconds. Alzheimer’s is also the sixth leading cause of death in the country.
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Representative Elly Dobbs represents the citizens of District 53, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2009, and currently serves on the Game, Fish & Parks, Health & Human Services, and Judiciary Committees.