About Us - The Silver Knights Story
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What We Do
What we do is simple:
- We train volunteers to become Silver Knight Chess Coaches who start chess classes within 5 miles of their home and encourage their students to start their own chess club.
- We train volunteers to become Silver Squire Chess Players who go to facilities like hospitals and assisted living facilities and play chess with an adult.
- We train volunteers to become Silver Page Charity Promoters who promote the charity in a wide variety of ways.
- We encourage volunteers to become Noble Heros who donate at least $5 per month to help the charity to grow and to pay for their needed supplies and awards.
The Facts:
Since Dr. Friedland's research has shown that a person who plays chess is 60 less likely to get Alzheimer's disease we have the opportunity to bring both fun and health to our adults and seniors.
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disorder leading to significantly impaired memory followed by impaired thought, speech and finally complete helplessness and death. I can think of no sadder way to end my life.
There are now more than 5 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s. 1 in 10 people over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 have Alzheimer's disease. Typical life expectancy is 8-10 years from the onset of symptoms, which can start as early as in your 40’s. 14 million Americans will have the disease by 2050 unless a cure is found or prevention measures are taken. This is where The Silver Knights come in.
This year 438,000 people in the United States will be told that they have Alzheimer’s disease. If all of these people played chess I estimate that 262,800 people could be prevented or significantly delayed in getting this horrible disease.
In addition to preventing Alzheimer’s disease chess is a quality of life issue. Chess is fun to play and provides a connection to other people that words cannot convey. Seniors deepen their relationships with other seniors and even children who come and play chess with them. I hope to organize some Jr/Sr. chess tournaments in the future. The seniors enjoy beating their grandchildren in chess. A happier life often tends to be a longer life too.
Here is how you can help.
- Please go to the home page and look at the ways you can volunteer 1-2 hours per week to help save the lives of seniors near you.
- Please make a financial donation. Even your pocket change can make a difference. We are looking for companies and individuals who would like to help support our effort. Just make the check payable to “The Silver Knights Alzheimer’s Charity.” And mail it to The Silver Knights 6854 East Kelton Lane, Scottsdale, AZ. 85254-1524 or even easer, please go back to our home page and make a donation with your credit or debit card with PayPal on the right side of the home page.
- You can purchase custom made products online shirts, mugs, caps etc and the profits go to the charity. http://www.cafepress.com/silver_knights
- We have an “Support-A-Senior” program where for only $10 dollars per month for a year you can help a senior have a lot of fun while avoiding Alzheimer’s disease and the donator gets a quarterly email letting you know how their senior is progressing as well as being honored on our Honor Page. Send check and your interest in Support-A-Senior to the address above.
Donations (from Noble Heroes) go to cover promotional materials, trophies and awards, teaching supplies, chess sets, custom flash cards, folding tables and other expenditures as well as special chess sets for the visually and physically challenged.
- You can donate lightly used chess sets, chess books, chess clocks, and chess magazines to the address below.
- If you have experience in fundraising or applying for grants, please contact us.
Please make non-tax deductible donations payable to:
“The Silver Knights Alzheimer’s Charity”
and mail it to:
The Silver Knights
6854 East Kelton Lane Scottsdale, AZ. 85254
Sincerely,
Patrick Ellis
(Coach Patrick)
National Head of The Silver Knights Alzheimer's Prevention Charity
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About Us
