Fundraiser to be held May 18 at Greenwood Lake for Alzheimer's Association's Music Social Program
GREENWOOD LAKE — According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than five million Americans are living with the disease, the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. On Sunday, May 18, Melinda Burgard, owner of Melinda's Music, will host a fund raiser for the Alzheimer's Association's Music Social Program. The event will be held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Greenwood Lake American Legion.
Events
The fun day for the entire family, rain or shine, will feature food and drinks, live music by Jazz Trio Gabe Valle, Andres Vahos and Carl Storckman; the Folk Harmonies of Margie DeRosso and Dave Lang; Rick Leeds' Family Yoga, and Melinda's Music along with Create Instruments, face painting, balloon animals and more.
There will also be a 50/50 and other raffles for prizes with all proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer's Association Music Social Group.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.
Although current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
Burgard explained that the mission of the Alzheimer's Association's Music Social Group is to provide an opportunity for family caregivers and their loved ones to socialize in a safe environment.
"It is also an opportunity to utilize the healthy side of one's brain, the creative side, to enjoy, play and participate in music and dance activities with loved ones," she said.
Six years ago, Burgard, a certified music therapist, was invited to volunteer and play music several times each year for an Alzheimer's Association social program.
"It dawned on me that I could personally assist in raising funds and that the family caregivers and their loved ones would be able to have much more needed support," she said. "And three years ago I asked many of my fellow musician friends and colleagues if they would be interested in providing a concert for this cause."
The Music Social Program, which meets throughout Orange County, grew from meeting once to twice a month.
Essential information
Entrance Fee (includes food and live entertainment):
$10 per adult
$ 5 per child age 3-10
$25 for family of 4
Free for ages infant to 2 years.
Special crafts, face painting, balloons, etc: $1 per craft
Food and drinks provided by: Lake Country Kitchen, Planet Pizza, Emerald Point, Sing Loong Kitchen, Irish Whisper, Ann Marie Sabarese and The Cornelius Family (in Memory of Betty).
To Make a Contribution: Make your check out to: "Alzheimer's Association" and write "Music Social Program" in memo. Mail to: Melinda Burgard, PO Box 245, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925
Sponsors for this event include: Chase Manhattan Bank, Greenwood Lake American Legion Auxiliary #1443, DeFeo's Marina, Finesse Auto Body, Greenwood Lake True Value Hardware, The Irish Whisper, Lake Country Kitchen, Mangos Tortilla Grill, The New Continental Restaurant, Pennings Farm Market, Senior Care Choices (Peggy Whalen, RN, Certified Geriatric Care Manager) and Windermere Insurance Agency.
To register for free programs, call the Alzheimer's Association at 845-695-2247.
For more information about Music Therapy and Dementia, contact Burgard at Melindasmusic.com, call 477-0451 or visit www.musictherapy.org