Spring Gala
Celebrating Connections

At the Gala on April 27, Alzheimer’s New Jersey was pleased to recognize two leaders in the New Jersey fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Russell Rothman and Heather Rae Stafford were each presented with the Circle of Honor Award for outstanding volunteerism, community engagement and philanthropy. The Circle of Honor Award is Alzheimer’s New Jersey’s most prestigious recognition, an honor given annually by the Board of Directors.

Like many caregivers, Russell Rothman was introduced to Alzheimer’s New Jersey through a call to the Helpline seeking assistance for his mom who was having cognitive issues related to driving and wandering. Thirty-one years later, through volunteering and personal giving, Russell is still giving back.

As both a volunteer and generous donor Russell has made a huge difference for other New Jersey families impacted by this life changing disease. He has served on many Alzheimer’s New Jersey committees, as a committee chair, as the founder of our Northern Regional Walk in Paramus that has raised millions of dollars to support Alzheimer’s New Jersey programs and most recently as Board Chair, leading the organization through the implementation of the Board’s difficult decision to separate from the Alzheimer’s Association to continue its local community focus as Alzheimer’s New Jersey.

In presenting the award to Russell, current Board Chair, Karen Davis-Farage summed it all up. “The Board is pleased to recognize Russell’s passion, leadership and commitment to Alzheimer’s New Jersey. Philanthropy and connection to the community is just who Russell is – part of the fabric and spirit that makes him a leader in so many ways.”

Heather Rae Stafford also became involved as an outgrowth of her experience as a caregiver – in this case, for her grandparents. Her Walk Team for the Southern Regional Walk in Point Pleasant Beach, which is consistently a Top fundraising Team and the #1 overall family team in 2022, was named in honor of her grandparents, Friends of Anita and Mike. With enthusiasm and creativity, Heather has taken Walk fundraising well beyond the tradition of asking a friend for a donation. She hosts events, runs contests on social media and led a pilot merchandise sale at last year’s Walk events.

Beyond fundraising, Heather is a member of the Southern Regional Walk planning committee, has participated as a presenter for Alzheimer’s New Jersey education programs and promotional events. Her consistent message is that despite the “mayhem” that exists in the mind of someone with Alzheimer’s disease, love and connection remain.

“Heather is a fundraising and volunteer dynamo,” said Ken Zaentz, President and CEO of Alzheimer’s New Jersey. “Her enthusiasm, creativity and passion combine to make her a fundraising, advocacy and volunteer superhero. We are so pleased to celebrate her accomplishments with this well deserved award.”