Arielle Evans, a 23-year veteran with MDI, has played an integral role in influencing the culture and direction of Morgan Distribution since the turn of the century. However, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to her outreach and impact on the Decatur community.

Decatur, IL is home to many charitable organizations & nonprofits that contribute mightily to the community. One of many events that MDI participates in and sponsors year after year is the 217 ALZ Wiffle Ball Classic. A fundraising effort to bring the community together to raise funds furthering the research towards finding a cure for Alzheimer's, increasing awareness for the disease, and providing support to local and national Alzheimer's programs. For those that may not be familiar, Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia affecting 55 million individuals worldwide.

Arielle plays a pivotal part in the nonprofit’s 217 Board, a group dedicated to raising funds and spreading awareness for Alzheimer’s research. In 2023, she officially joined the board, proving to be an invaluable asset to the team. Her exceptional organizational skills and dedication to the cause ensure that everyone plays a part in fulfilling their duties. Helping to keep the weekend’s events on schedule while balancing her career and being a full-time mother of two is a testament to Arielle’s character.

Stepping into her new role just as planning began for the 8th Annual ALZ Backyard Wiffleball Classic in 2023, she went above and beyond taking on multiple key responsibilities. Arielle became the right hand to the treasurer, helping to manage and categorize income and expenses. She also took charge of sponsor relations, invoicing, and overseeing the design and ordering of the event’s merchandise & signage. Arielle has been and will continue to be, essential to the day-to-day operations of the 217 ALZ WB Classic, handling tasks with efficiency and dedication.

The 217 ALZ WB Classic’s mission is to support the Alzheimer’s Association while also aiding local families dealing with childhood illness or injury. As the group approaches its 10th anniversary in 2025, they are on the verge of reaching an incredible milestone: raising their one-millionth dollar.

The Board organizes a series of fundraising events each year, including the annual Backyard Wiffleball Classic, benefit tournaments, seasonal wiffleball leagues, Decatur’s Boat Poker Run, and the popular 12 Bars of Christmas. These events all contribute to the group's ongoing mission to make a meaningful difference in the community.

If you have yet to experience the ALZ Wiffle Ball Classic, you certainly should! The event hosts 40 major and 16 minor teams who compete in two separate elimination style pool play brackets all bidding for bragging rights in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. 

For more information about how to register, donate, or volunteer for the 217 ALZ Wiffle Ball Classic visit: https://www.217wbclassic.org/

For more information about the fight to end Alzheimer's visit: https://www.alz.org/