Call our 24 hours, seven days a week helpline at 800.272.3900

24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900
Donar
Colorado
Change Location

Empower/Alzheimer’s partnership: a natural fit

Empower/Alzheimer’s partnership: a natural fit
Share or Print this page
Share or Print this page
August 17, 2021
Email:
Share or Print this page
Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect older adults. While there are 76,000 Coloradans among the 6.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, many more people – family, loved ones and coworkers – are impacted in many ways.
EMPR_LoRes.jpg
Empower Retirement, a silver-level sponsor of the Denver Walk to End Alzheimer’s, sees those connections among the communities it serves as well as in its’ own workforce.

“Almost all of our employees and customers have been impacted by this disease in some way, so it is a natural cause that resonates across our business,” said Steve Jenks, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Empower Retirement.

Jenks noted that the Empower team was recently directly jolted by the news that a retired senior executive from a sister company was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.

“Many of us had worked or admired this individual’s amazing business mind over the years,” said Jenks. “This was shocking and sobering news.”

“We do not have to reach far to find someone within our organization who is a caregiver or has a personal connection to Alzheimer’s,” noted Angie Ruddell, engagement & corporate social responsibility manager for Empower. “Based on statistics shared by the Alzheimer’s Association, we know that current and future associates and customers will have to face this lifechanging diagnosis until a cure is found.”

Taking its role as a community leader seriously
Empower is committed to being a community leader, and it is actively encouraging its employees to be involved in this effort – specifically when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease.

“Knowing how much COVID-19 has affected Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers, now is the time to give back in any way we can,” said Ruddell. “Empower associates are excited to give back, whether it is in-person or virtual. We encourage folks to get creative, and we match associate donations 1:1 up to $5,000 a year so our people know that Empower is invested in what is important to them.”

The shared mission and values of Empower and the Alzheimer’s Association make the partnership a natural fit.

“The core of our business and values is empowering our customers to realize the future they desire. We believe that the Alzheimer’s Association shares in this mission and, through their work, we can improve the futures of both those afflicted with the disease and their caregivers,” said Jenks.

Encouraging other companies to join the cause
This is the second year that Empower has sponsored the Denver Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The company sees it as a logical fit as well as a responsibility.

“Empower is proud to partner with nonprofit organizations because we know we have a responsibility to give back to the communities where we do business and where our associates and customers live and thrive,” said Ruddell. “For other organizations considering partnerships or sponsorships, check in with your industry peers and your community needs. Denver is a particularly collaborative community, and our partnership with Alzheimer’s Association is strengthened by our relationship with the Denver Broncos. There are so many ways to get involved with the Walk and unique ways to invest time and resources!”

The Denver Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Saturday, Sept. 18, at Denver’s City Park. To learn more about the event, register to Walk, or explore sponsorship, go to alz.org/walk or click here.

Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Keep Up With Alzheimer’s News and Events

El primer sobreviviente del Alzheimer está allí afuera, pero no lo lograremos sin usted.

Cómo participar

Conozca los efectos de la enfermedad de Alzheimer sobre el cerebro.

Realice el paseo

No se quede de brazos cruzados esperando una cura. Ayúdenos a encontrarla. 

Más información