Zimmerman, Burch to serve as honorary chairs for ALS event

ST. LOUIS - Hit those buzzers and get ready to cheer for your squad... The ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter will host Game On!, a game-show themed gala that will test knowledge and raise funds for the nonprofit.

"We're looking forward to gathering and having a great time together again," said Katie McGovern, President and CEO of the ALS Association of St. Louis Regional Chapter. "We've reimagined our gala with a new theme, new venue, and new energy. It's symbolic of all the exciting advances we've seen toward making this disease more livable."
Guests can anticipate a whimsical event inspired by the popular TV game show Family Feud. Two teams made up of local celebrities will compete; event guests can bid for a chance to join them on stage to play. Team captains are Jamal Mayers (St. Louis Blues Alumni), Carolyn Kindle Betz (President of Enterprise Holdings Foundation), Jim Hayes (host and reporter with Bally Sports Midwest), plus one other St. Louis celebrity.
As a special addition to the evening, the first-ever Game Changer Award will be presented to an individual or company who has been instrumental in the fight against ALS.
Emily Burch, along with Chris Zimmerman, President and CEO of Business Operations for the St. Louis Blues, are honorary chairs of Game On! They have both lost close friends to ALS.
"Chris and I have seen firsthand the exceptional battle that comes with the diagnosis and then the progression of ALS," said Burch. "Together, we wanted to join this year's event to help support the ALS Association's work to provide critically needed resources for individuals suffering the immense physical and emotional challenges of ALS."
Event Details
Date: Friday, November 12, 2021
Time: 6:45 pm
Location: Union Station, St. Louis
Website:
alsa-stl.org
Presenting Sponsor: World Wide Technology
Visionary Sponsor: Centene Charitable Foundation
Innovator Sponsors: Aero Charter, Enterprise Holdings, Husch Blackwell LLP, St. Louis Blues, Steward Family Foundation
Influencer Sponsors: Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, Calyco, Diversified Ingredients, J.F. Electric, Jackson Lewis, Keeley Companies, Ryan and Adrienne Davis, St. Louis Cardinals, United Healthcare, Villa Lighting
Challenger Sponsors: Alliance Rehab and Medical Equipment, Bethesda, Crane Agency, Numotion, PNC Bank, RubinBrown, Tree Court Builders Supply, Wine-Tapa
Safety Protocols
Game On! will be an in-person event. The ALS Association continues to monitor current health and safety guidance from the CDC and our regional leaders to ensure we are providing a safe environment for everyone in attendance. Guests will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event.
About ALS and The ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter
Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed and another person dies from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). The disease attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle paralysis throughout the body. ALS affects one's ability to eat, speak, move and breathe. An estimated 30,000 Americans have ALS at any given time. Currently, there is no cure or effective treatment to halt the progression of ALS. The disease knows no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries, but military veterans are twice as likely to die from the disease as members of the general public.
The ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter provides patients and caregivers with respite care, equipment loan, case management with home visits, augmentative communication and assistive technology programs, as well as nutritional supplements, transportation and emergency assistance, FREE of charge.
The ALS Association is the only nonprofit organization fighting ALS on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers and fostering government partnerships, the Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.
To learn more about the Chapter's care services programs, contact them toll free at 888-873-8539 or visit
www.alsa-stl.org
.
About the Event Chairs
Emily Burch is a passionate community advocate for St. Louis and the region. Her commitment to the community is founded on the belief that by building upon athletic, cultural, educational, and philanthropic opportunities, we can make St. Louis a greater place to live, work, and play for all. Following a career working for organizations such as the U.S. Senate, Lifetime Network, NIKE, and the St. Louis Blues, Emily has parlayed her experiences into supporting many regional nonprofits. She serves on the boards of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and the Magic House.
Chris Zimmerman joined the St Louis Blues in 2014 as President/CEO of Business Operations. Prior to the Blues, he held senior leadership roles with NIKE, Easton Sports, Bauer Hockey, and the Vancouver Canucks. Throughout his career, Chris has focused on leveraging the power of sports to help empower youth and strengthen communities. Since joining the Blues, Chris and his team have spearheaded the development of the 4-rink Centene Community Ice Center, created affordable programs for the region's youth to learn the game of hockey, and expanded the reach of the team's Blues for Kids Foundation, which serves over 100 agencies through annual grants and support.