Oklahoma City Memory Gala to make Alzheimer's victims' plight unforgettable

About 74,000 Oklahomans have the degenerative disease, a leading cause of dementia, according to a news release. About 212,000 others serve in caregiver roles for loved ones with the disease. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in America. There is no cure.

“Alzheimer's affects far too many of us,” said Lee Allan Smith, gala co-chairman, in the release. “Friends, neighbors and family members seem to be impacted every day. The Alzheimer's Association local office provides free service to those impacted by the disease, and the success of this fundraiser is a must.”

Proceeds will fund research and pay for services provided to patients and their families at no charge. These include consultations, counseling, a 24-hour phone hotline, support groups and more.

The gala includes dinner, fine wine and an appearance by 2007 Miss America Lauren Nelson.

The Maureen Reagan Award will be presented to Jim Morris for his advocacy and work with the Central Oklahoma Alzheimer's Association. The award is named after President Ronald Reagan's daughter, who joined the national association after her father was diagnosed.

A silent auction will be held, featuring a trip for two to the final rounds of the 2013 Masters Golf Tournament, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers package featuring dinner with former OU star and current Buccaneer Gerald McCoy, a week in a Tuscan villa with cooking lessons and more.