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Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, impacting more than six million Americans, and the number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060. Since the Alzheimer’s Association began in 1980, those impacted by the disease have been on a mission to raise awareness and much-needed funding for Alzheimer’s. From walks and bike-a-thons to charity events and more, individuals and organizations worldwide have joined together to fight against Alzheimer’s.
One organization that stands out is Prager Metis, one of the nation’s fastest-growing accounting and advisory firms, and a philanthropic powerhouse that has spearheaded initiatives to combat Alzheimer’s and made significant strides through charitable work. Their inspiring journey and personal ties highlight their impactful contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association as a firm and through The Accounting Industry Leadership Council (AILC).
Glenn L. Friedman, CEO and Co-Managing Partner of Prager Metis, is at the helm of this dynamic mission, steering the firm toward philanthropic excellence. Since beginning his career in 1979, Friedman’s leadership has guided over 100 partners, principals, and 600 team members across 23 office locations. His holistic approach as a trusted advisor, business consultant, and tax expert has set the tone for Prager Metis’ commitment to making a lasting impact.
With so many charitable causes to support, why Alzheimer’s? Prager Metis set out to drive awareness and raise much needed funding for Alzheimer’s because it is a cause that falls close to home. Like many others, people throughout the firm have been impacted by the disease and have witnessed the impact it has had on friends and loved ones.
In 2018, Prager Metis pledged to become a National Gold Team and raised over $555,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association in the first three years of its commitment to the cause. A remarkable amount to achieve. After recognizing the need for a more collective and focused effort across the industry, Friedman, alongside Co-Managing Partner David Neste and former Director Peter Scalise, set out to create The Alzheimer’s Association’s Accounting Industry Leadership Council (AILC) in 2020.
The AILC was initiated as a challenge to industry peers by Prager Metis, to join forces to fight against Alzheimer’s. Establishing the AILC in 2020 presented unique challenges, coinciding with the onset of COVID-19. Undeterred, Prager Metis pivoted to virtual events and soon managed to recruit over 30 Top 100 and 200 account firms, including four of the largest firms in the industry. In three years, the united council has collectively raised over $3 million, contributing significantly to the fight against Alzheimer’s.
This past October, Prager Metis was recognized for their efforts during the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2023 Imagine Benefit where they became the first recipient of the 2023 Rita Hayworth Award. Princess Yasmin Aga Kohan, Founder of the Imagine Benefit, praised Prager Metis for their longstanding philanthropic support and dedication to raising awareness during challenging times. To date, Prager Metis has outpaced larger accounting firms, which is a testament to their exceptional impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
The success of the AILC has even inspired the launch of the Legal Industry Leadership Council, with plans for more sector councils in 2024. The firm remains committed to its caring culture, ingrained in multi-level involvement in fundraising, education, awareness, and research funding. Prager Metis sees philanthropy not as corporate giving but as a human obligation to effect positive change.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s. While this progressive disease destroys memory and takes a toll on everyone this disease touches, Prager Metis remains a beacon of hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s and getting the word out there. Beyond the numbers, it’s a firm driven by a collective purpose, advocating for a cause that touches the lives of many. As CEO Glenn Friedman expressed, “Prager Metis is more than just a group of tax and accounting professionals; we are activists for positive change, making a profound difference in the world.”
Prager Metis, through its historical commitment to philanthropy since 2016, established The Prager Metis Charitable Foundation in 2019 to further amplify its annual fundraising efforts across various charitable organizations.
