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STARS ARE OUT 2009
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STARRY NIGHT
Alzheimer's Association Raises Funds with Annual Dinner and Auction
The stars were out on Febuary 6th as the Chapter presented its annual Stars Are Out Dinner & Auction at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln. The evening was filled with fun, entertainment and laughter as dinner was served and bids were made on the live and silent auctions. A large crowd varying in age donned suits and dresses for this special occasion, conversing with 400 others from around Nebraska. Emcees for the evening were Mark Taylor and Cathy Blythe of Lincoln's KFOR radio.
Chapter Chair Rennie Walt welcomed guests and introduced Karen Noel, President/CEO of the Great Plains Chapter. Karen reported on the support programs and services provided by the Chapter during the past year. Karen also introduced, Memories in the Making, a program that gives people with Alzheimer's disease an opportunity for successful interactions with others. The program gives them an opportunity to feel productive by producing a tangible product--a watercolor painting that they have created. She then introduced Marsha Stork, owner of the Independence House, and Jean Bouc, Activities Director for the Memories in the Making program at the Independence House. Marsha and Jean shared what the painting opportunities during the past year meant to some of the residents and what it has added to their daily lives. Two of the paintings done by Independence House residents, and a companion piece for each created by Jean, were sold in the live auction.
Items featured in the live auction included a stay at the luxurious Arenal Springs Bed & Breakfast in Costa Rica, a 42" HD television, a Cliff Hollestelle wood feather carving, a Husker Memorabilia Collection and a handmade queen size quilt, designed especially for the evening. A silent auction was a new feature added to the evening. Guests made their bids throughout the evening on items donated by area supporters including a variety of golf outings, dining packages, yard art, floral arrangements and wine-tastings, just to name a few.
The group was entertained by Elvis tribute artist Joseph Hall of Lincoln. Hall was featured on the television show America's Got Talent. "Elvis" sang to the ladies and presented several with his signed kerchiefs as he serenaded them.
Event co-chairs Vicki Powell and Connie Walt provided leadership to the volunteer committee who helped make the evening possible. Committee members include Pat Backemeyer, Linda Bieck, Sharon Hanigan, Wanda Huls, Bev Loseke, Linda & Stan Maly, Mary Oestman-Goldberg, Mary Rauner, Margaret Small, Sue Tricker, Patti Yaussi and Pat Young.
Gold sponsors for the event were:
The Arbors
Cornerstone Printing & Imaging
CountryHouse
Emerald Care Company
The Harry A. Koch Company
Lincoln Benefit Life
Sampson Construction
Solution One
TierOne Bank
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped make this evening a success. The monies raised at this event help support programs and services chapter-wide to residents and their caregivers who are coping with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
