Annual Alzheimer’s fundraiser Friday
“Casablanca Revisited” is the alluring theme for the upcoming eighth annual Nancy Rockwell Gala, a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, Inland Northwest Chapter, Friday at Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights.
For sure, images of Bogart and Bergman will be slinking in the shadows of the guests’ minds as they mingle through the sophisticated ambiance of Rick’s Cafe Americain complete with palm trees and all things Moroccan, setting the mood for the evening. There will be fine dining on Northwest salmon or grilled breast of chicken. And, to stir even more great memories, the big band sounds of the Men of Rhythm Band will dazzle guests with all-time favorites for dancing throughout the evening.
Brian Albrecht, meteorologist for KHQ television, will be the master of ceremonies for the event. He will introduce Harry Johns, President and CEO of The Alzheimer’s Association, from Chicago. Johns’ attendance at the Inland Northwest Alzheimer’s Association is one of the highlights for everyone.
Since taking the helm of the Alzheimer’s Association in 2005, Johns has increased both revenues and program expenditures to support the mission of the organization. He was the person responsible for the Alzheimer’s Association launching of the first nationwide campaign to increase understanding and awareness about Alzheimer’s, and the project that accelerates treatment progress by promoting participation in clinical studies. These have had an important impact.
The gala will include an auction of interesting and exciting items, vacation packages, timeshares, hotel stays, special dinners and beautiful gift baskets, all of which have been donated by local merchants. Phil Harris, former Spokane County Commissioner, will be the auctioneer. The auction is fast moving; it gets wild and crazy, and is everyone’s favorite part of the evening.
The rapid rise in the numbers of Alzheimer’s victims has grabbed the attention of all Americans. Thousands are jumping on the volunteer bandwagon in hopes that the mysteries of this haphazard robber of our minds and our lives can soon be unlocked.
Teams of volunteers are now organizing for the Alzheimer’s Walk fundraisers to be held this fall. During the summer, these teams hold fundraising events: craft shows, car washes, raffles, gourmet dinners, garage sales and silly hat luncheons to raise money for their teams. The team bringing in the most money receives a recognition reward.
The Inland Northwest Alzheimer’s Association Doggie Walk, held last year, raised $100,000. This fall the North Idaho Walk will be held on Sept. 27 in Farragut State Park. In Spokane, the walk will be, Oct. 4, on the Centennial Trail. Breakfast and lunch will be served and there are auctions and awards ceremonies. Put a team together, volunteer, or become a sponsor for the Alzheimer’s Walk in either city. Call Kat Epler at (509) 493-3390.
The number of Alzheimer’s victims in America at 5.1 million. Every 72 seconds someone in America develops Alzheimer’s disease and by midcentury that number will increase to one new case every 33 seconds. By 2030, the number of people age 65 and older, who will be victims of Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to be 7.7 million – that’s a 50 percent increase over today’s figures.
The Kalispell Tribe of Indians is the presenting sponsor of the fundraiser, “Casablanca Revisited” Gala. Other major sponsors are our Prestige Partners: Clare Bridge of Spokane, Harbor Crest, Northpoint Retirement Community and LaMar TEK. To be a sponsor, contact Sandi Druffel, development director at (509) 473-3390.
“Casablanca Revisited” promises to be a spectacular and rewarding night out. The cost is $75 per person, or $600 for a table of eight. Dress is black tie, optional. The gala evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and a silent auction. Dinner is at 7, and the live auction starts at 8.
If you do attend the Gala that evening and your mind wanders back to the 1940s, to the World War II era and suddenly, out of the corner of your eye (or perhaps in a figment of your imagination), you catch a shadowy glimpse of a white dinner jacket wafting by – don’t be surprised. You probably just caught Bogey, working the crowd.