The Scott Richards North Star Foundation Contributes to Temple University’s Second Endowed Chair for Alzheimer’s Research
PHILADELPHIA — The Scott Richards North Star Foundation (SRNSF) and Philip Richards, Temple University trustee and founder and executive chairman of North Star Resource Group, along with Stop Alzheimer’s Now (SAN) fund a second endowed chair for Alzheimer’s research at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM).
The Alzheimer’s Center at Temple will use the Scott Richards North Star Foundation and Stop Alzheimer’s Now Chair for Alzheimer’s Research for funding Alzheimer’s research exclusively. The name of the researcher who will be first occupant of the new chair position will be announced at a later date.
“We’re extremely thankful to the Scott Richards North Star Foundation and Stop Alzheimer’s Now for this generous gift,” said John M. Daly, MD, FACS, interim dean and Harry C. Donahoo Professor of Surgery at LKSOM. “That these two organizations would select Temple for this donation speaks volumes to the promising work being done by Dr. Domenico Praticò and his team at the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple.”
The Scott Richards North Star Foundation is a Minnesota non-profit corporation, and Stop Alzheimer’s Now is a Texas non-profit corporation. Both prioritize Alzheimer’s research in their mission and financial gifting.
In 2018, SRNSF provided a gift to LKSOM to establish the Scott Richards North Star Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research at Temple as well as the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple. At the time, Domenico Praticò, MD, was appointed the first Scott Richards North Star Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research and Professor and Director of the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple. The occupant of the new chair funded by this latest gift will report to Dr. Praticò.
“The Alzheimer’s Center at Temple is committed to promoting brain health and fostering discoveries for a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias through advanced research, clinical studies and innovative educational program,” said Dr. Praticò. “Alzheimer’s disease is becoming a major health concern, and if novel successful therapies do not become available, the number of patients suffering from the disease is expected to rise dramatically over the next 30 years. This gift will allow us to continue to pursue our ultimate goal of finding a cure.”
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States today. The Alzheimer’s Center at Temple integrates research, training, clinical and educational activities in order to study the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, discover the mechanisms responsible for their onset and progression and develop effective treatment strategies with the ultimate goal of curing those diseases.
“The catastrophic consequences to the victims of this insidious disease are compounded by the tragedy thrust upon the caregivers (75 percent women) whose lives are severely disrupted when it occurs. We all must do whatever we can to alleviate both,” said Richards.
“We interviewed many directors around the country as we considered where we wanted to partner,” said Shaun McDuffee, founder of Stop Alzheimer’s Now and senior vice president at North Star Resource Group. “Dr Praticò’s passion and expertise made Temple University jump to the top of our list. We believe that with his leadership and commitment Temple is going to come up with a solution to the Alzheimer’s epidemic.”
For more information on the Scott Richards North Star Foundation and its work with Alzheimer’s research, visit www.northstarfinancial.com/causes-we-support.
About North Star Resource Group
North Star Resource Group is a Minneapolis-based financial services firm that provides individuals, families and businesses with the resources needed to create, preserve and protect their wealth. With a network of 170 advisors in 22 states, North Star has contributed to the financial security and well-being of over 140,000 individuals.* Additionally, North Star contributes 10 percent of profits each year to worthy nonprofits through the Scott Richards North Star Foundation, totaling $5 million donated since 2004.
About Stop Alzheimer’s Now
Stop Alzheimer’s Now founded by Shaun McDuffee in 2013, has committed to walking across all 50 states to raise awareness and funds for research for a cure. To date, SAN has walked nearly 1,000 miles and raised $400,000 through individual contributions and partnerships with organizations such as SRNSCF and the McDuffee Family Foundation.
*Data as of 12/31/19
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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Megan Temte at 612.617.6018 or email at megan.temte@northstarfinancial.com.