CarDon & Associates raises funds and awareness through The Longest Day
What do a fish fry, a golf tournament, and a kiss the pig contest have in common? They are all ways that CarDon & Associates Family-first Senior Living Communities raises funds to support the Alzheimer’s Association through The Longest Day.
Inspired by the summer solstice – the day with the most light – The Longest Day encourages people to get involved in the fight to end Alzheimer’s in any way they choose. In keeping with that spirit, each of CarDon’s 19 communities throughout Indiana can decide when and how to raise funds. Events include everything from community bingo games to bake sales and craft fairs.
“The work that the Alzheimer’s Association does is so vital to our communities that offer memory care. So, we really believe in the mission and want to do whatever we can at CarDon to help support that mission.” said Laura Bedwell, Regional Director of Cherished Memories.
In the first year, they raised an impressive $5,000. Then, in 2023, CarDon created a specialized web page where teams could register – and see what other communities were doing. “It became competitive,” said Bedwell. “So that was super helpful.”
Thanks to that friendly competition, CarDon raised over $13,000. In 2024, they are hoping to cross the $20,000 mark. “I’m hearing lots of great ideas from the communities of what they have planned, so I’m really hopeful that we will reach that goal.”
In addition to spearheading CarDon’s participation, Bedwell is serving on the 2024 committee for The Longest Day in Indiana. “It has been a great experience to meet other members of the committee and discuss how to reach out and spread the word to get more people involved,” she said.
Bedwell says getting involved has been beneficial for CarDon’s staff, especially those who provide care to those living with the disease.
“It really offers hope,” she said. “I think we can see a lot of pain in the daily care of people with dementia. Getting involved in The Longest Day helps foster hope that there’s research happening, there are good things happening out there, there is support for the families we serve.”
If you are affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia and need support, call the Alzheimer’s Association free, 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. To get involved with The Longest Day, visit alz.org/tld.
