Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter

Just incredible! We're beyond grateful for your amazing generosity at the 32nd #ALZpurplegala last night in Minneapolis! Country music artist Jay Allen's moving performance of his song “No Present Like The Time” received a standing ovation. We were inspired by the stories of The Ryan Family, including sibling event chairs Joe Boone and Ellie Langlas. Then we came together to raise more than $1.5M for programs to support families impacted by Alzheimer's and other dementia, and research to #ENDALZ. We celebrated by dancing to live music by Bluewater Kings Band. 💜 Thank you to EVERY committee member, sponsor, supporter, volunteer and staff member who joined us to reach this milestone! We also couldn't have done it without the outstanding support of our emcee Timothy Blotz, auctioneer Glen Fladeboe, Stephanie Dix Campbell, Maria L. and Shannon Pierce at Stagetime Productions.

We're just getting started at the 2024 #ALZpurplegala! Thanks to everyone joining us here tonight! The silent auction is open until 7:45 p.m. You can bid online until then at https://lnkd.in/gqTKTRuB. Proceeds will support our programs and advance research. 🔬

Tomorrow is the big night! ✨ We're thrilled that country music artist Jay Allen, of The Voice Season 22, will be at our #ALZpurplegala to perform his new song “No Present Like The Time” during the program! 🎶 Thanks to Timothy Blotz for being our host for the evening and sharing Jay's inspiring story about losing his mother to Alzheimer's on Fox 9 News. https://lnkd.in/gAXCJQti

Bidding is now open for our #ALZpurplegala silent auction! Proceeds will support our programs and advance research to #ENDALZ! Bid online at https://ow.ly/HGiU50RIZe7. There are lots of fun items and unique experiences, including a 2024 Polaris Sportsman 110, tickets to the 2024 3M Open, an Anthony Edwards signed jersey, cleats signed by Nick Mullens, a Proenza Schouler briefcase, a chef's dinner at Travail Kitchen and more! Bidding will end at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024. If you are attending the Purple Gala in person, all bids for the silent auction must be entered using your smartphone. Gala guests and bidders will be alerted when the silent auction closes. *Please note: All physical items won in the auction must be picked up at the Purple Gala or shipped at the winner’s expense following the event.

Thanks to Senator Amy Klobuchar for being a strong lead sponsor of the #AADAPTAct and recently meeting with our #ENDALZ advocates! This bill would provide primary care physicians with education and training to improve dementia detection, diagnosis and care. Please ask Congress to support it at https://p2a.co/q2vvCDg.

Last week, we said a fond farewell to a few of our wonderful MN-ND Chapter Board members as their terms have ended. Thank you to Eric J. Thomes, Emily Nicoll and Nancy Jones (pictured with our CEO Susan Parriott) and Christine C. who attended virtually! We're grateful for all the time and talents you shared with us, and know we will continue to partner together to #ENDALZ.

Five years ago, Summer Schwedes’ mom, Cathy, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 47. Summer was only 13. Her mom lost the ability to work, drive, complete daily tasks, comprehend instructions, maintain conversation and now struggles to dress herself. “It's hard to explain the heartbreak of missing someone who is still with you daily.” Summer turned her grief into action by becoming a passionate supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association, participating in both Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Ride to End ALZ. Showing up for the cause is a priority for her; this year Summer participated in Ride on the same day as her senior prom! “Although my mom ignited my passion to join the movement, my spark continues to burn through the urgent need to prevent future families from suffering from this horrific disease.” Summer believes we can all make a difference by telling our stories. “Sharing my story, showing both strength and vulnerability, I receive as much inspiration as I give.” This #MothersDay we share our appreciation for Summer and all those fighting to #ENDALZ in honor of their mothers.

We're just a week away from our 2024 Purple Gala in Minneapolis! Thank you to our generous Diamond Sponsors this year, the Astrup Family Foundation and William Brauer Jr. Your kind support advances global research, drives risk reduction and early detection, and powers our care and support programs for individuals and families. #ALZpurplegala #ENDALZ

In Fargo, six North Dakota legislators recently met with our volunteer advocates to talk about issues impacting people living with dementia and caregivers. Thanks to everyone who joined us and shared their personal experiences. Your stories make a difference! 💜

“I became involved because my dad, Pinky McNamara, lived with Alzheimer’s disease for 10 years. Even though it has been more than a decade since he passed away, I still feel as strongly as I did back then to support the Alzheimer’s Association and other impacted families. The Purple Gala is one of my favorite events of the year and this is a disease that affects us all.” Thank you to The Richard McNamara Foundation, a 2024 Amethyst #ALZpurplegala sponsor, for its ongoing generosity to support our mission!