After weeks of rehearsal, sixteen local Columbus business and community leaders will showcase their best moves on the dance floor, with their dance professional partners, for one exciting evening to help end Alzheimer's. The tenth annual event, Dancing Stars of Columbus, will take place on Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Columbus Georgia Convention and Trade Center. The event raises money for the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter’s care, support and research. Since 2008, the event has raised more than $2 million.

Mirroring the popular TV show, the sixteen dancing pairs work to raise money by gaining votes in the one-night gala dance competition. This year's Dancing Stars of Columbus local celebrity dancers include Mary Bailey Bryan, Dr. Rajeev Chauhan, Dr. Nick Smith, Erin Scott Stillwell, Margie Norman, STAR couple, Dr. Chasity Reese and Husband Teddy Reese, Jason Pease, Jeff Pitts, Laura Frances Smith, Corrin Riley, Dr. Casey Geringer, Flournoy Henry, Joel Stenslie, Brett Maddocks, Dr. Christine Senn and Chris Kendrick.

The event will be hosted by Amy Adams, Beatycounter Director and Community Volunteer and Dr. Jonathan Liss, Board Certified Neurologist and Founder of Columbus Memory Center.

Celebrity judges include Christina Vogler, Tripp Amos, Mary Jane Bowden, Alee Link and Marlena Mumma. Sponsors include The Columbus Memory Center, Wanda and Shelby Amos Foundation, W.L. Amos Foundation, Renal Associates, TSYS, Hughston Clinic, Wells Fargo Advisors, W.C. Bradley Company, Covenant Woods, Pitts Trailers, Dorsey Enterprises, Piedmont Columbus Regional and Aflac.

“As a healthcare provider, I have witnessed the deleterious effects of Alzheimer's disease firsthand, both for the patient and their families” added Mary Bailey Bryan, 2019 Dancing Star of Columbus. “Through Dancing Stars of Columbus, I will have the opportunity to bring awareness to this tragic medical condition and to help fund an association that will hopefully one day find the cure. I look forward to being a part this worthy endeavor.”

With the recent release of the Alzheimer's Association's 2019 Facts and Figures Report, it is estimated there are 150,000 Georgians living with Alzheimer's disease with 533,000 family caregivers. Alzheimer’s deaths in Georgia increased by 245 percent from 2000 - 2017. With seven offices statewide, the Georgia Chapter provides vital education, support and services in all of Georgia's 159 counties.

Alzheimer's disease is a growing epidemic and the nation's sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today's more than 5 million Americans to as many as 16 million by 2050.