
More than 5 million people in the US are living with Alzheimer’s. Every 67 seconds someone in the US develops Alzheimer’s. Alzheimers is the 6th leading cause of death in the US. 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s of another dementia. In 2013, 15.5 million caregivers provided an estimated 17.7 billion hours of unpaid care valued at more than $220 billion.
With those staggering statistics, it’s almost a given that you, someone in your family, or someone you care about has or will develop Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. Although great strides are being made into research and treatment, it is a continuous battle.
To help raise funds to fight this prevalent condition, some very talented artists and supporters donated their work, time and commitment to the series of Memories in the Making Art Auctions across the front range.
The Colorado Springs event took place on Friday at the Antler’s Hilton, and there were some magnificent opportunities to not only pick up a great piece of artwork, but most importantly, support the cause.
Guests mingled, perused silent auction items and many had the signature red cocktails in hand. Auctioneer Kevin Holt acted as emcee and auctioneer extraordinaire, and before the fun bidding and other fundraising games took place, Event Chair Charlotte Long thanked everyone for their support. Carol Neve gave a stirring speech about how Memories in the Making and the Alzheimer’s Association gave her and her late husband Dick such comfort and confidence.
Crisp bidding for beautiful art pieces was the highlight of the evening and guests knew that they not only would be taking home a brilliant art piece, but a memory as well.
- Renee Herrera, left, Shane Hoffman, John Locke and Keith Swanson helped to greet and register guests
- Robert and Annelise Spees
- Paige Carley, left, and Claire Carley
- Ben and Patty Reed
- Oil painting by Mary Gray: “Willow” which was paired with “Playing with Saran.”
- Robin Patterson, left, Phil Stafford, lending part of his tie to Ken Jenson, and Kathleen Kleinhuizen
- Lori Beard, left, and Kristy Wilson
- Tina and Brent Craig
- Betsy and Dave Cook, left, and Barb Brubaker
- Auctioneer and host Kevin Holt, left, with Rabea Taylor and her mom Gerti
- Some of the pretty palette paintings
- Sylvana and Clyde Kenebrew
- Jennifer and Michael Capalety, left, board member Jay Miller, Brandon and Leah Behr
- Gail and Dr. Mark Brown, Executive Director of sponsor Emeritus Senior Living, with Russ Kleiner and Sandy Clarke
- Regional Director Barbara Caudle, left, with President and CEO Linda Mitchell
- Jeanne Demers, left, Donna Cheffer, John and Natalie McDonald and Karen Summers
- Leslie and Kevin Blackham
- Cheryl Tillery (committee member), left, Karen Dempsey, Ginny Henderson and Cheryl Barks
- Rani Stoner, left, Alexia Phillips and Mariah Johnson
- Committee member Lisa Ballard, left, Andrea Robinson and Laura Ballard
- Kevin Otterness, Laura Kozlowski and Abby Conley of sponsor Liberty Heights Senior Lifestyle Community
- Guests from sponsor El Pomar Foundation
- Emily West, left, Amy Valerio, Kathy Newsome, Sam Stevens and Shelby Stevens
- Laura Hirleman, her dad Garth Kennedy, brother David Kennedy and his wife Susan
- Manual Trujillo and Linda Hodges
- Constance Stevenson, left, and Rajah Holmes
- Diana Welch, left, Jamie Stricklett and Belinda McEntee
- Donna Mitchell, left, Edie Long, Jenny Baughman and Glenn Savage
- Ray Goetze from sponsor BEO, with his kids Kendyl and Kai
- David and Andrea Joseph
- Carol and Tim Sullivan
- Event Chair Charlotte Long and Mike Woelke with wine from the “wine garden,” all to support the cause
- Keepers of the “wine garden:” Kristie Bender, Tina Landis and Jan Walters (Krisite and Jan were on the event committee)
- Anna Buesch, left, Missy Buesch and Jazzy Terry
- Some of the beautiful artwork available
- There were also special pairings
- Jack Tubbs and Carrie Mitchell
- Guests from Sunrise Assisted Living
- Dr. Mark Brown of Emeritus Senior Living, on stage with Kendyl
- Dr. Mark Brown and Kendyl, collecting donations
- Dr. Mark Brown and Kai, who was the one who ended up being brave enough to sing
- Guests and artists
- Guests and artists
- Event Chair Charlotte Long says a few words of welcome and thanks
- Carol Neve talks about her late husband and fond memories
- Carol Neve reminiscing
- “Heads or Tails”
- Finalists in “Heads or Tails”
- The last two “Heads or Tails” finalists
- A beautiful art piece up for auction
- Another wonderful art piece