The Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter hosted its sixth Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative Inspire Luncheon on April 26, raising raised more than $216,000 so far toward its $250,000 goal.
The funds will contribute to global research, as well as support free local dementia programs through the California Central Coast Chapter.
Held at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, the Inspire Luncheon marked a memorable return since its last event in 2018.
Featuring award-winning actress Jane Seymour as keynote speaker, Andrew Firestone as master of ceremonies, and Gerd Jordano and Anne Towbes as honorary chairs, the fundraiser drew nearly 400 guests.
“We are in an exciting era of research and new developments of treatments for Alzheimer’s,” said Lindsey Leonard, executive director for the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter.
“Garnering a greater public awareness, passion and support for the work that we’re doing is so important to help us move faster toward a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, and that’s what we’re able to do at this Inspire Luncheon,” she said.
At the event, Claire Sexton, Alzheimer’s Association senior director of scientific programs and outreach, addressed the research advances in Alzheimer’s and dementia, touching on headlining topics like current anti-amyloid therapies on the market, and biomarkers for early diagnosis.
Sexton talked about lifestyle changes people can make to help reduce their risk for dementia.
Tony Gonzales, Alzheimer’s Association Governing Board director and early stage advisor, shared moving testimony about receiving a diagnosis when he was just 47 years old, and being an active voice for positive change in his hometown of Santa Maria and nationwide.
Seymour discussed her connections to the disease through her family, as well as the film industry, with various roles she has played and films she has directed.
“If I am able to play someone with Alzheimer’s, and make a documentary about it, and bring people to understand what the issues are, and why they should care and why they would want to support organizations like this, that is my mission in life,” Seymour said.
“The event was remarkable and such a beautiful way for our AWI committee to make a return in the community,” said Katina Zaninovich, chair for Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative (AWI) committee and the California Central Coast Board of Directors.
“I think a lot of people were inspired today, whether they have a personal connection to the disease or not; we know that this is something that impacts us all,” she said.
The luncheon was coordinated by Zaninovich and her committee: Sue Adams, Linda Alderman, Leigh Cashman, Carole East, Carol Fell, Gabriella Garcia, Rhonda Henderson, Penny Jenkins, Lauren Katz, Roseanne Masi Marquis, Robin Sonner, Betsy Turner and Mary Werft.
Additional donations can be made online at inspire2023.givesmart.com.
Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter thanks the following sponsors:
Caring Sponsors: Linda Alderman, COX, Gerd & Peter Jordano, Union Bank, Village Properties, VNA Health and Katina Zaninovich.
Caregiver Table Sponsors: Central Coast McDonald’s, Montecito Bank & Trust, Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara Memory Care and Peter Martin Storybooks.
Supporting Sponsors: Casa Dorinda, Paul Cashman – State Farm Insurance, Home Choices for Mom and Dad, Quinn Fiduciary Services, Radius Group – The Golis Team, Santa Barbara Estate Planning & Elder Law, Anne Towbes, Tri-County Produce – John Dixon, Betsy Turner/Straus Family Foundation, and UCLA Health.
Giving Sponsors: Anna Grotenhuis, Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara, Caring Together Santa Barbara County, Cottage Health, Covenant Living at the Samarkand, Dr. Gabriella Garcia & Fernando Garcia, First American Title Company, Stina Hans, Hennessey Inc., Hospice of Santa Barbara, Lauren Katz, Lompoc Valley Medical Center, Love & Care, Mary Compton, MemoryHealth MD, and San Luis Wealth – Brad Goodwin & Luke Kittinger, Sansum Clinic and Valle Verde.
For more about the Alzheimer’s Association, visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.