Celebrating a Lifetime of Memories
01.22.07
TAMPA – The Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute will pay tribute to its supporters and researchers at its first annual dinner: "Celebrating a Lifetime of Memories" Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at the Wyndham Westshore Hotel in Tampa. Michael Reagan, son of the late President Ronald Reagan, will entertain guests with stories of growing up a Reagan.
This special day is President Ronald Reagan's birthday and recognized as National Alzheimer's Day for President Reagan who died of the disease.
An all-star cast of local, national and international celebrities will provide entertainment. In addition, dinner attendees will learn more about the crucial difference their support is making in the fight for a cure for Alzheimer's.
“President Ronald Reagan was a great American who transformed his personal suffering with Alzheimer's into a message of hope and urgency to find a cure. Keeping with this theme, the Institute is fortunate to have as the guest speaker for this exciting event the President's son, Michael Reagan,” says Kelleigh Klein, Fundraising Liaison for the Institute.
Reagan will add his voice to those of other Byrd supporters and call for continued research into prevention and cure for Alzheimer's.
The younger Reagan hosts The Michael Reagan Show on 200 radio stations throughout the United States. He also is an enthusiastic supporter of Alzheimer's research.
In addition to Reagan's speech, Ernest Hooper will serve as celebrity host for the dinner. Hooper is the popular and insightful news columnist for the St. Petersburg Times. He is an award winning sports writer and has been writing his own column for the last five years.
Hooper's columns are noted for their occasional irreverence and entering approach to reporting events. Hooper's stated goal is to stir up conversation around the office coffee pot AND water cooler. He is informative, entertaining and very often challenges his readers to look at the day's events with a higher degree of humanity.
Charleene Closshey, a classically trained musician who has entertained audiences across the world, rounds out the all-star lineup for the evening. Closshey, a Plant City native, brings a unique musical style that includes an eclectic mix of jazz, rock, pop blues and swinging fiddle.
She has shared the stage with artists such as Josh Groban, Charlie Daniels, Frank Sinatra Jr., Ricky Skaggs, Chad Brock, Ronan Tynin, Patrick Wilson, Mannheim Steamroller and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
As a vocalist, she recently returned from Italy, having performed operated and classical recitals with the Operafestival di Roma.
What: Byrd Institute First Annual Dinner: "Celebrating A Lifetime of Memories"
Where: Wyndham Westshore, 4860 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL
When: 6:30 pm, Tuesday, February 6, 2007
RSVP: (813) 866-1610 x4126
The Byrd Institute is a partner with the state of Florida and its financial supporters in finding a cure for Alzheimer's. Together we are making huge strides in improving the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer's and their loved ones, as well as working toward reducing the threat of Alzheimer's for future citizens.
The dinner is business dressy. It will begin at 6:30 pm. Sponsorships and tickets are available on a limited basis. To reserve your table or tickets, call (813) 866-1610 x4126.
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