50+ Lifestyles

Alzheimer’s Association Art Show and Auction a Success

By Linda N. White
Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter

Fundraiser Dedicated to Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Support and Research Programs

More than 150 residents from Quad-Cities joined at the Alzheimer’s Association’s first ever Memories in the Making art show and auction event and united to raise funds and awareness of the disease affecting millions. At the McKesson Building, Downtown Rock Island, participants raised more than $13,000 to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.

Alzheimer’s Association Memories in the Making, is a creative art expression program for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Even after people with dementia have lost the ability to use words, they are often able to express thoughts and emotions and to share memories through painting. The experience offers an opportunity for the essence of who they are and what they care about to shine through. Paintings are selected for the Memories in the Making event to be placed on display and then auctioned at the end of the event.

“I was inspired by the impact this event had on me personally, but also on the impact it will continue to have here in the Quad-Cities,” said Linda White, an Alzheimer’s Association Community Relations Coordinator. “The event brought home the impact of this disease as well as the importance of raising funds. With funds raised, the Alzheimer’s Association will be able to provide much needed care and support to people affected by the disease as well as fund critically needed Alzheimer’s research.”

The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter, would like to personally thank this community for their support of this event. A special thanks to the following sponsors who made this event happen: Lighthouse Homecare, Modern Woodmen of America, 97X, Genesis – Dept. of Neurology and Southern Illinois University, Country Manor, Niemann Farms, Beacon of Hope Hospice, Heart of America Group, Wells Fargo, United Healthcare, GolderCare Solutions, Intouch Adult Day Center, Dispatch/Rock Island Argus and Melissa Uzzell, Snyder Park Nelson & Schweibert PC.

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s today. Currently, every 69 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s disease. We’ve got to stop this disease, and with the help of the community and local sponsors, we are on our way. For more information about this event or how you can get involved, please call the Alzheimer’s Association at (563) 321-1022.
About the Alzheimer’s Association:

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Linda N. White is Community Relations Coordinator of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter.She can be reached at (563) 324-1022 or by email at linda.white@alz.org.