The Hadley Park Duplicate Bridge Club gathered, once again, in late June to play Bridge for a cause, the Alzheimer’s Association.
HPDBC began four years ago supporting the Alzheimer’s Association when Helen Rose learned about “The Longest Day.” The Longest Day is an event that raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This fundraising effort is a collaboration of bridge players across the country.
“Bridge players will come together, pull up to the table and play bridge to fuel the mission efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association,” states Alzheimer’s coordinators. After registering, the team captains receive everything they need to get started, including fundraising tools, a publicity toolkit, a t-shirt and additional items to promote the event.
And, this is exactly what the members of HPDBC did under the leadership of Helen Rose. In 2013, Rose and the bridge members had exactly two weeks to pull the event together. With hard work and dedication to the cause, in June of 2013 the HBDBC presented the Alzheimer’s Association with a check for $405.00.
They continued to participate in The Longest Day each year, increasing their funds with each passing year. 2014 the funds raised was, $1500.00; 2015, funds raised was $1,856 and this year the HPDBC presented Mr. Jim Ward, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, with a check in the amount of $2,080.00!
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is a global epidemic. Worldwide, at least 44 million people are icing with the disease. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the US and kills more Americans than diabetes and more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. It is also noted that more than 5 million Americans are living with the disease and that numb rid expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. More than 15 million Americans are Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers, fulfilling a financially, emotionally and physically draining role.
“Alzheimer’s disease is the ultimate thief–a thief of memories, independence, control and ultimately, life.”
“We enjoy supporting not just the Alzheimer’s Association, but other charities as well,” stated Helen Rose. “The first year, our tournament was held here at Hadley Park, and the following years, we have met at Goodwill Industries on June 21st, for ‘The Longest Day’ of the year.”
The Alzheimer’s Association offers assistance to those any day of the year to help those facing this disease. 24/7 helpline is 800-272-3900 or 615-315-5880 or visit the website at <http://www.alz.org> .
