Alzheimer's Support from IP: $10,000 for Gulf Coast Memory Walk

The Alzheimer’s Association Gulf Coast Memory Walk has
received a show of support in the form of a $10,000 sponsorship
from the IP Casino Resort Spa. The contribution marks the first
of its size for the Walk and is demonstrated in the larger than
life-sized check that is displayed by, from left, Sara Murphy
and Ian MacDonald, both of the Alzheimer’s Association;
Cindi Braud, 2010 Gulf Coast Memory Walk ambassador; Jon Braud;
Patty Dunn, Alzheimer’s Association executive director; and
Elaine Stevens, IP public relations manager.

A presentation at the Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter office in Ridgeland Sept. 7 demonstrated a show of support from IP Casino Resort Spa as the company joins in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The support came in the form of a $10,000 donation designated for the upcoming Gulf Coast Memory Walk set for Nov. 13 in Biloxi.


Motivation for the support stemmed from a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s. When Cindi Braud, an IP casino host, and her husband Jon shared his diagnosis, the company immediately made plans to work with the couple.

According to Cindi and Jon, “We are very excited to work with the Alzheimer’s Association and look forward to promoting awareness for this disease. In addition, we are overwhelmed by the support IP Casino has given us and are forever grateful to IP for their commitment to Alzheimer’s awareness.” Cindi is serving as the 2010 Gulf Coast Memory Walk Ambassador.

"IP always takes care of its own, and Cindi Braud is a vital part of the IP family. When we discovered her husband Jon was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, IP’s partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association was a given. We are proud to support Cindi, Jon and the many thousands of others impacted by this dreaded disease,” said Elaine Stevens, IP public relations manager.

In accepting the donation, Patty Dunn, the chapter’s executive director, said, “We welcome this generous show of support in our efforts to enhance the care and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is an escalating public health crisis that has far-reaching effects on individuals, families and businesses. This donation from IP Casino Resort Spa represents the beginning of a partnership to increase concern and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and the efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.”

On hand for the check-presenting occasion were Ms. Stevens, Cindi Braud, Jon Braud, and Tina Cantrell, executive casino host. Representing the Mississippi Chapter Alzheimer’s Association were Ms. Dunn, Sara Murphy and Ian MacDonald.

Ms. Dunn pointed out that every 70 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s disease, and in Mississippi, it is estimated that 53,000 individuals are living with Alzheimer’s disease.