March 25th, 2010 
My readers may remember my writing about Blondes vs. Brunettes, a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association that I founded with Sara Allen Abbott, Ryan Triplette and several other friends back in 2005. After first pitching the fundraiser to the Junior League of Washington who thought it was “too racy”, Sara suggested we do it for Alzheimer’s as her grandmother and father had the disease. My grandmother on my mother’s side had Alzheimer’s, so I thought that was a great idea. Sara and Ryan worked diligently to grow the event in Washington and to help the nonprofit implement it nationally. I was stunned at Christmas when a friend from home who works for the Alzheimers Association in North Carolina told me that Blondes vs. Brunettes was happening in my home state. What Sara and Ryan have done with the fun charity event we created back in 2005 is truly incredible!
My friend, Keri Ann Meslar, who founded The Courage Cup with me in 2005 is now one of the women in charge of the local BvB fundraiser. Her brother, David Meslar has come up with a wonderful men’s event to raise money and awareness about Alzheimer’s among young professional men. It’s called Goals for Good, and I think it’s a terrific idea.
Matt Ward
The rate of individuals being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s has been growing, and it is reported that over 10 million Baby Boomers – our parents and grandparents – will develop Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of information sharing about Alzheimer’s with young adults, which is alarming given the rising percentage of people as young as their 30’s and 40’s being diagnosed. This unique charity will bring together many of the District’s most prominent young male leaders to raise awareness about the disease. Some of the local lacrosse standouts include Matt Ward (UVA), Ray Megill (UMD), Kip Turner (UVA) and the Alford brothers (UMD).
“Lacrosse season is in full swing and the gents of DC are ready to trade in their ties for twine (slang for lacrosse stick),” says David Meslar, Goals for Good founder and 2010 Chair. “This disease affects so many people and I understand firsthand the pain of seeing a loved one seem to fade away. My grandmother will be my inspiration for the game, as she has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s for 8 years and the disease has affected members of my family for generations. I know that this game won’t cure anyone today or tomorrow, but Goals for Good is a creative and fun opportunity to bring together young men committed to helping those with Alzheimer’s. As this game grows with participants and donors, I hope it will raise awareness and commitment to finding a cure.”
The Team Captains for the event are Win Huffman and Hunter Campbell, who I first came to know while working for his father in
Kip Turner
2005. The guys will announce their lacrosse squads that will take the field on April 24th for an important cause; to raise attention and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter. Not to objectify the guys, but who doesn’t love watching attractive young men running across the field in shorts. I’ve always thought guys who play tennis, soccer and lacrosse have the best legs. Anywho, I digress.
Bottomline this is a great cause, and like Blondes vs. Brunettes, it’s a creative approach to fundraising, rather than just another black tie. I hope that you will come to Gin and Tonic this weekend and attend the event on April 24th!
- Miss A
DETAILS: Join us Saturday March 27th for the draft party at Gin and Tonic Tavern and be sure to come for Game Day April 24th. For more information on the events or to donate to Goals for Good please contact David at Gentslaxdc@gmail.com.
Saturday, March 27th 2010: Draft Party at Gin and Tonic Tavern
2408 Wisconsin Ave Washington DC
8:00 – 11:00pm
Saturday, April 24th 2010: Goals for Good game day at Georgetown University Lacrosse Field.
9:00pm-11:00pm
