He also realized that not all families would be able to afford the service. In the midst of caring for his own father, Ken began hosting backyard barbecue fundraising events at his home with the proceeds going directly to help families pay for social day care. In the first 2 years four family caregivers were awarded over $4,000 each to allow their loved one to attend an adult care center.
In 2012, in honor of his father, Ken founded the Kenneth A. Smaltz, Sr. Foundation, a 501c3, for the cure and care of Alzheimer’s disease. Ken’s objective is to advocate for the importance of social adult day programs and their benefits for participants and their caregivers. With this in mind the foundation raises money to provide support for families who cannot afford to send their parents to these centers. The foundation also works to educate the community with its annual Smaltz Foundation Alzheimer’s symposium. These symposiums look to bring expert voices and information to families and caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.
To promote research, the foundation provides grants to clinical fellows attending the Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston — a clinical postdoctoral position for physicians who have completed their neurology training.
Ken has become a spokesman for the Alzheimer’s Association, assisting with their national, state and local lobbying efforts. Has given his time as an associate board member of Parker Jewish Institute and a board member of Long Island Alzheimer’s Association. The Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation, Parker Jewish Institute Platinum Professional Award, National Adult Day Services Association and New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo have honored Ken for his commitment and service in the Alzheimer’s community.
Ken knows that with the support of donors, sponsors, and gifts, the foundation will continued to grow in the community and its outreach.