On Friday, May 20, the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter marked its 40th anniversary of delivering care programs and services in the Rochester Elmira Finger Lakes region with a gala that raised $100,000 for the nonprofit organization.
More than 340 people registered for the event and joined presenting sponsor Wegmans, founders and supporters to celebrate “An Affair to Remember,” which was held at the Hyatt Regency Rochester. It was the chapter’s first in-person gala since the start of the pandemic and serves as one of the agency’s largest fundraising events.
“The Association is not only the leading organization in care and support but we are also the global convener of Alzheimer’s science. Today we have $300 million committed to 920 active best-in-field projects taking place in 45 countries,” said Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter Executive Director Teresa Galbier. “This could not happen without the funds raised in our local communities through events like this, meaningful donor gifts and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.”
Funds raised during the event will support the Alzheimer’s Association’s free educational programs, support groups, community forums, advocacy and research.
The Alzheimer’s Association was presented with a proclamation from the Rochester Mayor’s office, which read, in part: “The City of Rochester commends the 40 years of outstanding work by the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Chapter, for providing care and support, education, information and advocacy services to those with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, and their caregivers. All citizens are urged to learn more about the organization and the many contributions it is making to our community.”
Veteran broadcast journalist Maureen McGuire, who retired last year from WROC-TV, served as emcee of the event. McGuire was presented with an award from the Association for her extraordinary support of the cause.
“As we prepared for the 40th we wanted to honor a very special person who has advanced the importance of Alzheimer’s research. Through her work as a television journalist she took every opportunity to use her voice to encourage participation in clinical trials, to support Alzheimer’s science, to understand that this is a disease with no cure, so that one day we can take down this insidious disease,” Galbier said while presenting McGuire with the award. “Maureen has been the truest of champions building and leading her Walk committees over a period of three years to bring in nearly $800,000 over that time.”
The event featured performances by the Aenon Missionary Baptist Church Praise Team. In April, the Alzheimer’s Association partnered with Aenon Missionary Baptist Church to hold the 11th Annual Dr. Lemuel and Gloria Rogers African American Health Symposium, where the two organizations began a new friendship to strengthen our collective efforts to support Black African Americans who are impacted by Alzheimer's and other dementias.
The 40th Anniversary Gala Executive Committee included Stephanie Johnson, Chair; Miles Zatkowsky, Honorary Board Member; Debbie and Tom Mayberry, Honorary Board Members and Founders; Jim Walter, Board Chair; and Carol D’Agostino, Benefactor.
“It has been such a privilege to be a part of an organization like the Alzheimer’s Association, which is having such a positive impact on so many individuals - those impacted by the disease as well as their caregivers, families and friends,” Walter said. “Through the Alzheimer’s Association, I was so very fortunate to have found two support groups which were extremely helpful as I tried to figure out the best way to care for my wife, Becky, through her years of decline following her diagnosis.”
The Association continues to accept fundraising gifts at Alz40th.givesmart.com.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
Visit https://www.alz.org/rochesterny/about_us/our_chapter_story to learn more about our local chapter.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.