A Song for Alzheimer's: Orange County Music Competition Opens

    IRVINE, CA, July 03, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Worldwide nearly 44 million people have Alzheimer's or a related dementia. In Orange County alone, nearly 85,000 are suffering from this tragic disease. To unite the community and heighten awareness for Alzheimer's, radio show OC Caravan, in partnership with leading nonprofit Alzheimer's Association, Orange County (AAOC), today launched a new music competition, A Song for Alzheimer's. Through Aug. 15, individual songwriters 18 or older and/or musical groups can submit an original song about Alzheimer's disease for a chance to win a host of prizes, including free studio time, gift certificates and a chance to perform live at the Nov. 14 Walk to End Alzheimer's at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

"Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that rips away those closest to us, leaving behind an empty shell of the person they used to be," said Jim McAleer, CEO and president of AAOC. "Through the power of song, our hope is to provide a platform for musicians of all levels to shed light on a tragic disease while uniting the Orange County community for a common purpose and through a universal, musical message."

Interested participants are encouraged to visit http://www.asongforalz.org to complete a submission form and upload an original song entry to their own YouTube accounts. Participants must be 18 or older at the time of entry and legal Orange County residents. The contest is open to amateurs only. Complete competition rules are here. The submission period will close at 11:59 p.m. PDT on Aug. 15.

One winner/musical group will be announced within 30 days after the contest closes, as selected by the judging panel based on overall performance, authenticity, technique, originality and style. The grand prize includes:

• 8 hours of studio time at Laguna Sound Studio to record and produce the winning song ($1,000 value)
• Promotion of the winning song on Laguna Beach community radio station KX 93.5 FM, which reaches 120,000 listeners
• A guest appearance on OC Caravan's cable TV show, which reaches 240,000 COX subscribers in Orange County and Palos Verdes
• Five $50 gift certificates to Wahoo's Fish Tacos
• The opportunity to perform the winning song live at the Nov. 14 Walk to End Alzheimer's at Angel Stadium in front of more than 8,000 attendees

The judging panel for A Song for Alzheimer's includes prominent Orange County community leaders:

• Jim McAleer, CEO and president of Alzheimer's Association, Orange County
• Wing Lam, founder of Wahoo's Fish Tacos
• Scott Hays, host of OC Caravan

Local sponsors and partners include Alzheimer's Association, Orange County, OC Caravan, KX 93.5 FM, Wahoo's Fish Tacos, Laguna Sound Studio and COX 3. For questions or more information, contact [email protected].

About Alzheimer's Association, Orange County Chapter

The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Since 1982, Alzheimer's Association, Orange County Chapter has been providing programs and services, free of charge, to Orange County residents with Alzheimer's and related disorders, their families, caregivers, and the community. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative illness that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900, or visit http://www.alz.org/oc. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

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