Rick Sharp was an innovative leader and dynamic businessman known for his many passions and ability to change industries. He was the CEO of Circuit City, the nation’s first big-box electronics retailer. He was a founding investor and CEO of the shoe brand Crocs. In 1993, he disrupted the used car industry, founding mega-retailer CarMax.
Rick was also a devoted friend, father, and husband. He married his high school sweetheart, Sherry, and they remained married, best friends, and passionate in their pursuits until his death 46 years later in 2014. Rick’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in 2010 brought a passion for finding a cure for the deadly disease that would take his life four years later.
The Rick Sharp Alzheimer’s Foundation (RSAF) was created in 2015 to honor Richard Sharp’s memory by funding scientific research into the disease. Sherry joined the board of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, and the RSAF-supported CureAlz projects have empowered researchers to discover and explore new pathways for potential Alzheimer’s disease interventions. Together with the Sharp Family Foundation, RSAF has provided funding in support of research and operations, while CureAlz has offered scientific guidance, project selection, and accountability through its rigorous research program.
In 2025, we realized that deepening our partnership would make our work even stronger. The Rick Sharp Alzheimer’s Initiative strengthens the relationship between RSAF and CureAlz. RSAF continues as a leading advocate for Alzheimer’s research, while CureAlz manages fundraising operations, donor database administration, donation processing, and compliance. Together, we continue to support top-tier research projects through Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, with 100% of all general donations used to support the CureAlz research program. With your continued support, RSAF and CureAlz will make the most of every donor dollar to accelerate the discovery of treatments—and ultimately, a cure—for Alzheimer’s disease.
To make a donation, please visit https://give.curealz.org/campaign/689014/donate
Sherry Sharp is also an accomplished writer. To read her work, please visit her website https://sherrythewriter.com.
