#alzheimersfamilyorganization

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Free Alzheimers Caregiver Learning Day April 5

The Alzheimer's Family Organization is hosting a Caregiver Learning Day in Citrus County. Individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia can learn useful information about helpful resources and caregiving techniques. The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 5, 2019, at Brentwood Retirement Community 1900 West Alpha Court, Lecanto, FL 34461. Breakfast and lunch are included. Speakers will include Lee Alexander of Citrus County Sheriff Office, Attorney Sarah Elyaman of Elyaman Law Firm, and Deb Selsavage of Coping with Dementia. Their topics will include Senior Services, Elder Law Musts, and Diverting Behaviors. While the event is free, registration is requested to assist with planning. To register, call 352-616-0170 or go to http://www.alzheimersfamily.org/caregiver/ to register. The Alzheimer’s Family Organization is a non-profit charity that serves caregivers in eight west-central Florida counties including Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Lake, Sumter, Marion and Hillsborough counties. Read the full article

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2nd Annual Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer's

Walk to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Family Organization (AFO), a non-profit that provides services and support for caregivers for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in eight west-central Florida counties, including Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties. The Walk will be staged at the Town Center in picturesque Floral City and walkers will be able to choose from a 1/4 Mile walk, a 1.5 Mile walk or an historic walk, and 93% of all funds went directly to the AFO last year! For an entry fee donation of $25.00, walkers have a choice of walks: a Nature Walk on the Withlacoochee State Trail south of Floral City, or an Historical Walk down Orange Avenue and through the town.  Teams of ten or more walkers will get a five-dollar discount from each entry fee donation. There will also be drawings for gift baskets, original art, and beautiful prizes, live music by Paula’s Pure Vintage, and Mount Carmel Methodist Church will be on hand with its huge bar-b-que smoker to keep everyone happy and well fed. There will be many free educational features in and around the Floral City Town Center including a display at the Floral City Library, the Virtual Dementia Tour sponsored by Senior Helpers, free hearing screening by Advanced Family Hearing, and a demonstration by Find-M Friends about how lives can be saved through the use of human scent preservation kits and scent-discriminating blood hounds.  Life South will also accept blood donations at the library. The Floral City Heritage Council is a supporting partner of the event, and its members will be there, decked out in late-19th century costumes, to discuss and celebrate their beautiful Old Florida town. Late-comers can register at the Lion’s Club at the Town Center in Floral City from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, October 19th, or at 8 a.m. on the following morning.  The Walk will begin at 9 a.m. on the 20th. Kids - 5 & Under: FREE      Junior - Ages 6 - 12: $10.00      Adult - 13 & Up: $25.00 Team - $20.00 each with a minimum of 10 8:00 AM Pre-Registration | 9:00 AM Opening Ceremonies  | 9:30 AM Walk to Begin Event parking at Ferris Grove's, 7607 S Florida Ave., Floral City, FL. 34436 Read the full article

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Citrus County Walk Aware raises over $23,000

Kathleen Winters, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Family Organization, has announced that Citrus County Walk Aware, which took place in Floral City on October 21, raised more than $23,000 for the regional non-profit that serves caregivers in eight west-central Florida counties, including Citrus County. Winters states, “These were wonderful results for this first-time event.  But beyond the net donation, we are very pleased to report that the four days of activities that made up Citrus Aware for Alzheimer’s Week were completed at a cost-to-revenue ratio of only seven percent.  This means that for every dollar in donations, 93 cents went to the AFO with only 7 cents required for administration and promotion.” Winters continues, “There are so many in Citrus County we need to thank, including the Board of County Commissioners, the Floral City Heritage Council, the Citrus County Chronicle, lead sponsors Meridien Research, Superior Residences of Lecanto, Grand Living in Citrus Springs; and Coping with Dementia LLC, which was the organizing sponsor.”  She adds, “There are too many to thank here, so we have created a written report to sponsors and supporters that can be obtained by calling 352-422-3663.” Winters concludes, “We will definitely be back for Citrus County Walk Aware on October 20, 2018, and our venue will again be beautiful Floral City.  We believe much of the success of this event can be attributed to the Old Florida ambiance of this community and the support we received from the Floral City Heritage Council.” Read the full article

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Citrus County Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s 2018 earns over $30,000

The Alzheimer’s Family Organization has announced that Citrus County Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s 2018, which took place in Floral City on October 20, 2018, had gross earnings of $30,101.43 with a net charitable donation of $27,659.27. “We are very excited about these results,” said AFO Executive Director Kathleen Casella Winters, “which represent more than a 20 percent increase in revenue and net earnings over our inaugural Citrus County Walk in 2017.” Winters continued, “The support we have received throughout Citrus County has been very gratifying.  In addition to the financial contribution received by the AFO, we must also acknowledge the more than $11,000 in value we received from in-kind support and services from individuals and Citrus County businesses.  In-kind support is important because it has enabled us to keep our expenses very low.” “Our out-of-pocket expenses to promote and administer the Walk came to less than $2,500, giving us an expense-to-revenue ratio of only eight percent!  This means that for every dollar generated, 92 cents comes direct to the AFO, which we will use to support caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in Citrus and neighboring west-central Florida counties,” said Winters. Winters announced that plans have already begun for next year’s Walk, which will take place again in Floral City on October 19, 2019.  She said, “There is little doubt that the special ambiance of beautiful Floral City, and the support we have received from the Floral City Heritage Council, have contributed enormously to the success of the Citrus County Walk.  We consider it a privilege to help promote tourism in Citrus County while we enjoy and benefits of the Old Florida quality of this scenic community.” The Alzheimer’s Family Organization is a regional non-profit charity that receives no support from state or federal governments.  It relies entirely on the generosity of its members and funds generated at special events throughout its eight-county service area.  For more information about the AFO, see its web site at http://alzheimersfamily.org. Read the full article

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Many Businesses are sponsoring Citrus County Walk Aware

As the October 20, 2018, date for Citrus Walk Aware gets closer, more businesses are signing up to sponsor this worthwhile event.

Life Care Center supports Citrus County Alzheimer’s Walk

Life Care Center of Citrus County, located at 3325 West Jerwayne Lane in Lecanto, has become a Pacesetter Sponsor of Citrus County Walk Aware for Alzheimer with a contribution of $500 to the Alzheimer’s Family Organization (AFO).  The Walk will take place on the morning of October 20, 2018, at the Town Center in scenic Floral City. Life Care Marketing Director Jonathan Noyes states, “Because Life Care of Citrus County provides many services, including memory care, to both inpatients and outpatients, we think it is important to support the AFO because it focuses on helping the caregivers for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.”

Alzheimer’s Family Organization Board President Debbie Selsavage presents a certificate of appreciation to Life Care of Citrus County Executive Director Ashley Cummings, Special Services Assistant Candace Long, Director of Nursing Jacqueline Ferrara, and Cindy Martin, Admissions. Also instrumental in arranging the company’s sponsorship of Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s, but not pictured, was Marketing Director Jonathan Noyes.

Avante at Inverness becomes sponsor for Citrus County Alzheimer’s Walk

With a donation of $500 to the Alzheimer’s Family Organization, Avante at Inverness, located at 304 S. Citrus Avenue, has become a Pace Setter Sponsor for Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s, a fund-raising event that will take place in Floral City on October 20, 2018. Avanté at Inverness is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility that provides long-term care and is noted for its rehabilitation services based on personalized programs to help its clients achieve their highest level of independence.

Pictured during the presentation of a certificate of recognition are, left to right, Avante Admissions Coordinator Rose Kish, Alzheimer’s Foundation Board President Debbie Selsavage, Avante Marketing Director Michelle Goldstein, Avante Executive Director Donna Fontaine, Resident Daniel Jamieson; and Avante Activities Director Georgette Bass.

Mary Darling becomes Citrus Walk major sponsor in memory of Tige Massey

Mary Blair Darling, a former State Council Representative for Florida District 4, and a retired Certified Ombudsman, has become a Jogger Sponsor of Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s with a donation of $2,000 to the Alzheimer’s Family Organization by organizing a walking team in honor of Tige Massey, a friend who died of Alzheimer’s disease.   Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s will take place in Floral City on October 20, 2018. In recognition of her extraordinary service to seniors as a State Certified Ombudsman, Darling has also become the namesake for a major award established by the AFO.  The Mary Blair Darling Award is a perpetual plaque that will be bestowed on the largest team at the walk each year.  In 2017, it was won by Home Instead Senior Care.

Mary Darling, left, receives a certificate of recognition from Alzheimer’s Family Organization Board President Debbie Selsavage for becoming a major sponsor of Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s.

Hen House and Diner to sponsor Key Training Center Team for Alzheimer’s Walk

The Hen House Cafe, located at 206 Tompkins Street in Inverness, and The Diner, located at 5490 South Florida Avenue between Inverness and Floral City, will sponsor a walking team for the Key Training Center at Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s that will take place in Floral City on October 20, 2018. Kim Speckner, owner of both restaurants, explains, “Circumstances did not allow us to field a team from own staff this year, so we are very excited for the opportunity to sponsor a team of ten clients from the Key Training Center.  We’re calling it the Hen House/Diner Key Training Center Team for Alzheimer’s Awareness.” The Hen House Café was the first business in Citrus County to conduct training for its staff to be certified Dementia Friendly in 2015.  When Speckner opened The Diner last year, she had its staff trained and the restaurant certified Dementia Friendly as well.

Individuals and teams that want to participate in the Walk can register on line at www.alzheimersfamily.org/events.  All proceeds from the Walk will be donated to the non-profit Alzheimer’s Family Organization, a regional non-profit that serves caregivers in eight west-central Florida counties including Citrus County. For more information about the Walk, to become a sponsor, or to register on line, go to www.alzheimersfamily.org/events. Read the full article

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Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimers will be October 20

On October 20, 2018, Citrus County will host its second annual Walk to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Family Organization (AFO). The  non-profit provides services and support for caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The Alzheimer's Family Organization is active in eight west-central Florida counties, including Citrus, Hernando and Pasco Counties. The Walk will be staged at the Town Center of picturesque Floral City. Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer's is the brainchild of Inverness residents Debbie Selsavage and her partner Ed Youngblood. In its first year, the Walk became the second-largest fund-raising event for the AFO; second only to a Walk in The Villages that has been running for six years.

Walk Aware: It Takes More Than The Villages

Selsavage is the President of Coping with Dementia LLC, a company that provides training for caregivers and sponsors projects to improve Alzheimer’s awareness. She wears two hats relevant to the organization of the event.  While her company is the primary organizer of Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s, Debbie is the current President of the AFO's Board of Directors, giving her a double incentive to succeed in raising both money and awareness. “We were thrilled with our success last year,” reports Selsavage, “and we have set a goal of passing The Villages this year to become the AFO’s leading fund-raiser.”  To underscore this ambition, Selsavage proudly displays a purple campaign button stating, “Walk Aware: It Takes More Than The Villages,” and laughs. “My colleagues in The Villages were a bit taken aback by our slogan, but if this rivalry results in both events raising more money for the AFO, then it's all well and good!” Ed Youngblood, who handles marketing strategy for both Coping with Dementia LLC and the Citrus County Walk, says, “We were excited with our fund-raising results last year, but even more pleased with the efficiency of our performance. We grossed about $24,000 with an expense ratio of only seven percent. Simply put, for every dollar generated, 93 cents was passed on to the AFO.”

Strong Media Sponsorship from Citrus County Chronicle and NatureCoaster.com

Diane Bedard, Publisher of NatureCoaster.com, accepts a certificate from Deb Selsavage on behalf of the Citrus WalkAware for Alzheimer's event. Youngblood explains that high efficiency was achieved with the participation of many in-kind sponsors providing support services free of charge. A very generous in-kind advertising support package from the Citrus County Chronicle, plus several promotional segments on WYKE Television raised awareness.  In addition, the Citrus County Chronicle published a special Alzheimer’s issue, which will come out on Sunday, October 14, 2018 for this year's Walk. “We can’t do what we do without strong media support, and this year it will be even better because NatureCoaster.com has come in as an official media sponsor.” Selsavage and Youngblood are expecting to raise more money for the AFO this year.  Youngblood explains, “In our first year, much of the local health care industry seemed to take a ‘wait and see’ attitude, but we are receiving tremendous support from Citrus County Continuity of Care (CCCC).”  He explains, “CCCC, a networking and ongoing education trade organization with more than 50 members, has announced a goal of 100 percent membership participation.”

Shoe Your Support Decorating Contest

Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer's expects good results from a new and exciting accompanying promotion called “Shoe Your Support.”  Shoe Your Support is a county-wide shoe decorating competition receiving enthusiastic support from the Citrus County School System as well as the Chronicle. Selsavage states, “We’re hoping to have lots of beautiful shoes on display in the Floral City Town Center the morning of the Walk. Winners will be chosen from people who pay a dollar per vote to support their favorite designs.” She adds that the Chronicle will also conduct internet voting at Chronicleonline.com in the days prior to the Walk to raise funds at the rate of one dollar per vote.

The movie, "Still Alice" will be shown at the Valerie Theatre on October 21 in support of the Alzheimer's Family Organization, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit serving families of Alzheimer's and Dementia patients throughout the Nature Coast.

'Still Alice' to be shown at the Valerie Theatre

A third component will be two showings of the Oscar-winning movie ‘Still Alice’ at the historic Valerie Theatre in Inverness on October 21st.  With the cost of showing the film fully sponsored by Grand Living at Citrus Hills, a hundred percent of receipts from ticket sales will go to the Alzheimer's Family Organization.

Be a part of the Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimers on October 20 in Floral City. For only a $25 donation, you help an organization that helps many in our area, and receive a free t-shirt if you register online.

How to Participate in the Walk for Awareness

Pre-register for the Walk at , but late-comers can register at the Lion’s Club at the Town Center in Floral City from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, October 19th, or at 8 a.m. on the following morning.  The Walk will begin at 9 a.m. on the 20th. Selsavage clarifies, “For an entry fee donation of $25.00, walkers have a choice of two walks: a Nature Walk on the Withlacoochee State Trail south of Floral City, or an Historical Walk down Orange Avenue and through the town.”  Teams of ten or more walkers will get a five-dollar discount from each entry fee donation.

Many additional Activities will be Held in Floral City

Selsavage continues, “There will also be drawings for gift baskets, original art, and beautiful prizes, live music by Paula’s Pure Vintage, and Mount Carmel Methodist Church will be on hand with its huge bar-b-que smoker to keep everyone happy and well fed.” There will be in and around the Floral City Town Center many free educational features including a display at the Floral City Library, the Virtual Dementia Tour sponsored by Senior Helpers, free hearing screening by Advanced Family Hearing, and a demonstration by Find-M Friends about how lives can be saved through the use of human scent preservation kits and scent-discriminating blood hounds.  Life South will also accept blood donations at the library. The Floral City Heritage Council is a supporting partner of the event, and its members will be there, decked out in late-19th century costumes, to discuss and celebrate their beautiful Old Florida town.

Sponsorship Opportunities as Investments

Nature Coast Financial Advisors came aboard as a $5,000 lead sponsor for the Walk. Sponsorships are designed a business investment backed by a very strong promotional component. In addition to many in-kind sponsorship opportunities, individuals and companies may choose from a schedule of monetary sponsorships ranging from $250 to $5,000. Selsavage reports, “We knew we were off to a tremendous start this year when Nature Coast Financial Advisors came aboard as a $5,000 lead sponsor the very first day we announced our 2018 plan!” Youngblood adds, “We have designed monetary sponsorship to be much more than just charity.  It can also be a business investment backed by a very strong promotional component.”  He explains that all sponsors at the level of $500 or more will receive an exclusive press release with photo distributed to 150 media outlets in eight west-central Florida counties, their logo on Walk t-shirts and banners, the right to have an information table at the Town Center in Floral City, and repeated posts on four Facebook pages with each post containing a hyperlink to the sponsor’s web site.

Citrus Aware for Alzheimer's Week October 14-21, 2018

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners and the Inverness City Council will officially declare October 14 through 21 as Citrus Aware for Alzheimer’s Week. Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s has also garnered considerable political support since both the Board of County Commissioners and the Inverness City Council will officially declare October 14 through 21 as Citrus Aware for Alzheimer’s Week. For information on sponsorship opportunities, how to enter Shoe Your Support, or to pre-enter the Walk on line, interested parties can go to www.alzheimersfamily.org/walkaware or call 352-422-3663.  To acquire tickets on line for one of the showings of “Still Alice,” go to www.valerietheatre.org. Tickets are also available at the Box Office, in person or by phone, Thursday-Saturday, Noon to 4 p.m. and one hour before show times. 207 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL 34450 (352)341-7850x2. Selsavage concludes, “We are looking forward to a tremendous event this year. For this we must thank so many enthusiastic supporters among Citrus County individuals and companies.  While our primary objective is to raise money for the AFO, we are also confident that Citrus Walk Aware for Alzheimer’s will show off our county in a very positive light with the result of improving tourism year-round.  It’s a win-win for both the Alzheimer’s Family Organization as well as Citrus County.” Read the full article