Ice Out Alz Raises Nearly $200,000 For Alzheimer’s Research

The second annual ‘Ice Out ALZ’ event raised nearly $200,000 on July 28, bringing the total funds raised up to over $400,000 in its first two years according to event founder and island native AJ Mleczko.

The fundraiser took place at Cisco Brewers. All the money raised goes to the Alzheimer’s Association to fund its care, support and research programs while increasing awareness of the disease that affects more than six million Americans and more than 11 million caregivers.

Mleczko, an Olympic Gold and Silver medalist formerly of the USA Women’s Hockey Team, began the fundraiser to honor her mother Bambi, who was diagnosed with the disease six years ago.

“Alzheimer’s is a dreadful disease, one my family experienced first with my grandmother and now we are watching my mother live with it,” Mleczko said. “By coming together for events like Ice Out ALZ, I have hope that we are changing the course of this devastating disease for future generations. With the generosity of the Nantucket community, the event has raised more than $400,000 to support the Alzheimer’s Association and I know we are making a difference.”

Mleczko said one of her goals moving forward is to find more ways to allocate these funds to Nantucket services that allow islanders to stay on island for care. Her mother was moved off-island to receive care, and Mleczko said it is sad to think that Bambi may never see the island she loves so much again.

More than 130,000 people are living with the disease in Massachusetts alone and more than 284,000 caregivers are providing care and support.

Guests competed in a cornhole tournament, which paired sponsors and VIP ticket holders with NHL players and broadcasters, while enjoying beverages served by Cisco Brewers and small bites from local caterer Island Kitchen. The event included an appeal for donations and concluded with ESPN Broadcaster John Buccigross announcing a highlight-filled play-by-play of the semifinals and finals of the cornhole tournament.