The Alzheimer’s Women’s Association for Resources and Education (A.W.A.R.E.) announced today that Phyllis George, a Texas native and Alzheimer’s Advocate will emcee the “Champions United to Fight Alzheimer’s” Spring Luncheon honoring two legendary football rivals and friends, Frank Broyles, Arkansas Razorback Coach and Darrell K Royal, Texas Longhorns Coach. The event, which will be held March 23, 2012 at the Hilton Anatole, will commemorate the unforgettable gridiron battles between Arkansas and Texas in 1964 and 1969 – including the “Game of the Century” - and will highlight the coaching history of these two extraordinary men.

George, who is a former Miss America and went on to become the first woman sportscaster, will emcee the event. As part of the program, she will moderate a panel discussion with football legends who played for the coaches, including: Tommy Stockton (Texas 1969); Ken Hatfield (Arkansas 1964); Chuck Dicus and Bill Montgomery (Arkansas 1969), and Tom Campbell and James Street (Texas 1969). Dr. Bill Burnett (Arkansas 1969) will provide an invocation.

“We are thrilled that Phyllis George is coming home to Texas to emcee this event,” said Sandra Cude, co-chair of the AWARE Luncheon. “Her experience as a sportscaster will create an exciting program and panel discussion.”

Phyllis George has been known as a trailblazer in many areas of her life. A former Miss America, the Denton native became the first female sportscaster on national TV co-anchoring the popular Emmy Award winning "NFL Today Show" on CBS with Brent Musburger and Irv Cross.

She also co-hosted three Super Bowl broadcasts and six Rose Bowl Parades in Pasadena, Calif.

“Adding to her accomplishments, Phyllis has demonstrated her own personal commitment to raising awareness of the need for more education and understanding of Alzheimer’s and its impact on not only the patient, but the families as well,” said Susan Holman, Luncheon co-chair.

Phyllis, who lost her mother to Alzheimer’s, annually presents the “Phyllis George Outstanding Alzheimer’s Caregiver and Advocate Award” from the Capitol of Kentucky, where she once served as First Lady.

“I am excited about coming home to Texas and to participate in this wonderful event honoring Frank Broyles and Darrell Royal,” George said. “Football demonstrates the American spirit and determination, which are the same characteristics that Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers demonstrate as they fight every day against this debilitating disease.”

While rivals on the field, Darrell K Royal and Frank Broyles developed a long-standing friendship off the gridiron. Darrell and Edith Royal were very supportive of Frank Broyles when he was caretaker of his wife Barbara, who died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease in 2004.

To help others, Broyles penned Coach Broyles Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers, to help others who find themselves caring for a loved one with this debilitating disease, which takes a toll on the caregivers as well as the patients.

Funds raised through the annual luncheon benefit the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association – the nation’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting Alzheimer’s on all fronts with its innovative programs, services and education offerings, state-of-the-art research, community outreach and advocacy.

In its 21-year history, the A.W.A.R.E. Luncheon has raised more than $10 million for the Alzheimer’s Association.

For more information on the luncheon or to purchase tickets visit AWAREluncheon.org.