DENVILLE, N.J., June 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter announces that Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc are the official sponsors of its Polo Classic 2007, to be held on Saturday, June 23, at the Hillsborough Country Club in Neshanic Station. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Polo Classic, one of the Chapter’s largest fundraising events.
“Eisai has truly helped make this event the most successful charity polo match in the country,” said Patricia Lombreglia, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter. “The proceeds of the Polo Classic have enabled us to assist the ever-growing number of individuals and families coping with this devastating disease. Our 24-hour, toll-free telephone Helpline, respite care assistance program, and network of support groups and education programs are all supported, in part, by the success of the Polo Classic.”
In 1995, the year Eisai first sponsored the Polo Classic, the event was just gaining momentum and raised close to $100,000 with a few hundred in attendance. Over the next decade, Eisai’s involvement helped increase corporate support of the event. Last year’s Polo Classic raised close to $400,000 and was enjoyed by more than 2,000 attendees, including 150 other corporate supporters.
Frank Ciriello, vice president, sales & marketing at Eisai, Inc. and co- chair of Polo Classic 2007, commented, “We are proud of our many employees who have given so selflessly of their time and expertise over the years as volunteers to help make this worthwhile event such a success. It’s been gratifying to know that our support has helped so many New Jersey families.” Eisai Inc. is a U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd., a research- based human health care company.
The Polo Classic features world-class polo players and ponies competing on a tent-lined field before thousands of tailgaters. Complementing the polo match is a full schedule of activities with appeal across all ages: an antique and classic car display, hot air balloons, stilt walkers, balloon artists, a closest-to-the-pin golf putting contest, and face painting, pony rides and a trackless train for young children.
In addition to Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc, more than 150 corporations are represented at the Polo Classic, reserving tent space for employee and client celebrations. Tailgate gatherings are also held by New Jersey families and friends, ranging from elaborate catered parties to simple picnics. Other sponsors include: Application Consulting Group, C3i, Genesis HealthCare, Hill & Knowlton, IMS Health, Johnson & Johnson, LyonHeart, M. Rothman & Co., Inc., Meta Pharmaceuticals, MFP Investors, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Pinnacle Health Communications, PNC Bank, Sanofi-Aventis, Sprint Nextel, Turner Construction and US Trust.
Gates open at 1:00 p.m., with the competitive polo match beginning at 3:00 p.m. The rain date is June 30, 2007. For general information about the Polo Classic, corporate sponsorship and tailgating opportunities, contact Kim Suarez at (609) 514-1180; kim.suarez@alznj.org. Additional details are listed on the Web site at http://www.alznj.org.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world leader in Alzheimer research and support. The Association is committed to providing support, assistance and information to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, their families and care partners; and supports research into the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of Alzheimer’s disease.
It is estimated that there are currently more than 350,000 individuals and their care partners in New Jersey who are struggling to cope with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Headquartered in Denville with offices in Oradell, Princeton and Red Bank, the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter offers education and training, support groups, respite care assistance, and a 24-hour, toll-free telephone Helpline. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease or the Alzheimer’s Association, please call (800) 883-1180, or visit the Web site at http://www.alznj.org.
Alzheimer’s Association
CONTACT: Sara Kassabian of Alzheimer’s Association, +1-973-586-4300,Sara.Kassabian@alznj.org
Web site: http://www.alznj.org/
