The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to announce Diane and Thomas Leavitt, President of Northfield Savings Bank, will be honored with the Community Leadership & Activist Award on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at the 10th Annual Reason to Hope Dinner at the Hilton Burlington. The Alzheimer’s Association annually presents the Community Leadership & Activist Award to a community leader in recognition of their civic and humanitarian efforts. It is given to individuals who have had a distinguished professional career, who are involved in and committed to community affairs, who are leaders among peers and who lead by example. It is given to those who strive to improve the quality of life today and create a better world tomorrow.
“This is the first time the Alzheimer’s Association has recognized a couple with the Community Leadership & Activist Award” stated Jane Mitchell, development director at the Vermont Chapter. “With their deep roots in the community, Diane and Tom are quiet influencers who have positively impacted the lives of many. And, like many in our community, they have been caregivers for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. We’re honored to celebrate Diane and Tom this year.”
The 2019 Reason to Hope Dinner is being led by Event Co-Chairs Nicole Carignan and Donna Austin-Hawley with support from Honorary Chair, Joseph Boutin. A joint statement was released by Carignan, Austin-Hawley and Boutin: “We admire and appreciate Tom and Diane’s selfless giving to the Vermont community at so many levels and regard them as true role models. They have left their indelible mark and we are forever grateful.”
Proceeds from the event fund crucial programs and services to help Vermonters living with dementia and invest in cutting-edge research worldwide. Advance table sales and philanthropic donations are strong with over $88,000 raised towards the 2019 Reason to Hope Dinner’s fundraising goal of $175,000. Early corporate table sponsors include Norwich University, Northfield Savings Bank, People’s United Bank, Acabay Inc., Artisan Realty of Vermont, SABA Marine, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of VT, Casella Waste Management, Maplewood LTD, Spruce Mortgage, and Vermont Mutual Insurance Company among others.
For information about the 2019 Reason to Hope dinner, purchase a table or make a donation in honor of Diane and Thomas Leavitt, visit alz.org/vermont or contact Jane Mitchell at [email protected] or 802.316.3839. The Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter is located at 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston, VT 05495.
About Alzheimer’s Disease
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including an estimated 13,000 Vermont residents. As baby boomers age the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s will rapidly escalate. It is estimated that as many as16 million will have the disease by 2050 and the cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to total $277 billion in 2018. Vermont caregivers provided an estimated 34 million hours of unpaid care in 2017 with a total value of $430,000,000.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s 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. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
Photo credit: Cliff Cooper