The Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter will host its sixth Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative Inspire Luncheon: Your Brain Matters, April 26 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.
The event will feature award-winning actress Jane Seymour as keynote speaker, and Andrew Firestone as master of ceremonies.
Claire Sexton, Alzheimer’s Association senior director of Scientific Programs and Outreach, will discuss lifestyle changes to reduce risk of dementia, as well as research and new treatments.
“I’ve been passionately involved with the worlds of dementia and Alzheimer’s,” Seymour said. “These are diagnoses that touch most people in some form and deserve more of a spotlight, which is why I’ve chosen to support the Alzheimer’s Association through this luncheon.”
The Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative (AWI) committee was founded in 2012 by Gerd Jordano and Anne Towbes, after being invited by the former executive director of the Central Coast Chapter. (Jordano and Towbes are honorary co-chairs of this year’s luncheon.)
Jordano and Towbes began asking local women to join AWI, some who had health-care experience, and others who had a connection to the disease or who were active in the community philanthropically.
At their first luncheon in Santa Barbara nearly 10 years ago, Jordano asked the audience of about 500 people how many of them have had family members or loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Almost every hand in the room went up.
“I was surprised to see so many people affected by this tragic disease right here in our community,” Jordano said.
Since then, the AWI committee has continued its mission to help educate the community about the disease and find ways to help raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter.
The annual luncheon, which was halted after its fifth event in 2018, is returning for the first time in four years.
Funds raised by Inspire Luncheon will further the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission of ending Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
“The one thing none of us wants to lose is our independence, and Alzheimer’s can happen to any of us at any time,” Towbes said. “The Alzheimer’s Association can help patients, caregivers and family members with information and encouragement on how to continue to live a positive and purpose-filled life for as long as possible.”
The luncheon is coordinated by Katina Zaninovich, board chair and AWI committee chair, 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.
AWI thanks its sponsors: Caring Sponsors Linda Alderman, COX, Gerd & Peter Jordano, Union Bank, Village Properties, VNA Health and Katina Zaninovich. Thank you also to our Caregiver Table Sponsors: 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, Betsy Turner/Straus Family Foundation, and UCLA Health.
Giving Sponsors: Caring Together Santa Barbara County, Cottage Health, Covenant Living at the Samarkand, Dr. Gabriella Garcia & Fernando Garcia, First American Title Company, Hennessey Inc., Hospice of Santa Barbara, Lauren Katz, Lompoc Valley Medical Center, and San Luis Wealth – Brad Goodwin & Luke Kittinger.
To buy tickets or join as a sponsor, visit inspire2023.givesmart.com, or contact Lindsey Leonard, executive director, at lmleonard@alz.org or 805-617-0226.
To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, visit alz.org, or call 800-272-3900.