Mackenzie Kelley is an account and events coordinator for Management HQ, a Minneapolis-based association management company offering customizable management services to nonprofit associations. Nine years ago, Mackenzie, along with her brother and close friends, started the Memory Mixer: A Party to End Alzheimer’s to honor her mom, who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2012 at the age of 60. Her efforts to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease are nothing short of inspirational to anyone looking to turn personal pain into a positive force for good.
What began as a small annual fundraising gathering in the back room of an Uptown bar has grown into an elegant evening with close to 400 guests. This year’s event took place on Friday, Nov. 9, at the Graduate Minneapolis and raised just over $54,000 – bringing the total to close to $250,000 since the event began. All proceeds go directly to the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter. This year’s event featured a silent auction, prize-winning activities such as the U-Pick-It wall, raffle and wine toss, live music from Sabby White, and even puppies! (We team up with Secondhand Hounds and they bring just the most adorable puppies to the party.)
It really is a fun and inspiring evening! Plus, it is an entirely volunteer-led effort, and planned by our committee of 10.
Tell us about yourself and your work.
I am an account and events coordinator, and have been at Management HQ for just over five months. I work with all of our clients, supporting their events and programs, and serving as the account coordinator for two – the Presidents’ Round Table and the East Africa Medical Assistance Foundation (EAMAF).
The Memory Mixer is a labor of love from our small group of board members who volunteer after work and in-between family time to plan this annual event. The Memory Mixer continues to grow and get even more fun each year, and I’m incredibly thankful for those who help make it happen, including everyone that attends year after year and local businesses who lend their support.
What drew you to the work you do?
I was looking to make a career change and the opportunity arose to join MHQ. I was drawn to Management HQ due to the values and culture of the organization, the strong leadership, the diversity of the clients, and the variety of responsibilities within my role. I am grateful for this new challenge and love being a part of the MHQ team.
The experiences my brother and I have with our mom and her disease have had an incredible impact on our lives, and I’m determined to make a difference in the fight against it. I’ve always been a “do’er” and the Memory Mixer gave me the opportunity to be proactive during a time in which I felt helpless. We had just moved my mom into a memory care facility when my friends and I came up with the idea for the event.
In your view, why is Alzheimer’s disease research important? Beyond the Memory Mixer, how do you stay engaged with this cause?
Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., and the only one that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. It is the most expensive disease in America as well, and takes such a devastating toll on families. And unfortunately it’s only going to continue to get worse – unless we invest in research. Research can provide those impacted with the level of care they need and the support they deserve, and most importantly, one day find a cure.
Outside of the Memory Mixer, I am very involved with the Alzheimer’s Association. I co-founded the Young Champions in 2010 – the Alzheimer’s Association young professionals group in the Twin Cities – and served as president of the Executive Board up until this year. We have four committees that advocate at the state and federal level, fundraise at annual events, educate different demographics, and raise awareness about the disease. It’s such a dedicated group of young people, all of whom have been impacted by Alzheimer’s.
My husband and I also participate in RivALZ: Blondes vs. Brunettes each summer. This is a women’s flag football game (the men serve as coaches) to raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer’s Association. The Twin Cities has one of the most successful games across the country, having raised over one million dollars in six seasons! Plus, I’m lucky enough to be part of the still undefeated, Team Brunette.
What advice do you have for other leaders to engage with the Alzheimer’s Association or other related causes?
There are so many opportunities to get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and they are always looking to engage new volunteers. Whether you are looking for an ongoing activity or a one-time event, you’ll be able to find something that fits your needs and interests. Regardless of the level of your involvement, you’ll be moved by the work you’re doing, the people you’re meeting and the impact you’re having.
