On Nov. 6, Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV) hosted its seventh annual open house.
Held at the 8,000-square-foot ACV building on the grounds of the Berger Foundation Center in Palm Desert, 400 guests showed their support for this local nonprofit that helps to support, teach and comfort both people living with Alzheimer's and their families.
Alzheimers Coachella Valley was founded in November 2017 by Pat Kaplan, Edie Keller and Dom Calvano, along with several volunteers, based on a mutual belief that there was a need for a community resource for those impacted by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. ACV was established as a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a focus on the family unit and what was possible for individuals with dementia and their family members.
Over the years, the nonprofit's programs and services have expanded to meet the growing needs of our maturing valley residents. The goal of ACV bringing the community together has now been realized with expansion into the east valley due to an increase in Spanish-speaking clients.
As the number of local residents impacted by Alzheimer's and other cognitive diseases has quadrupled over the years, it is more important than ever for ACV to receive the necessary financial support to continue to provide its free services and programs.
Here are some of the latest ACV facts: There are 10,332 attendees in eight support groups, all of which are free. Forty-two families have received breathing space scholarships, while 1,092 individuals have attended the certified dementia training classes and 2,950 have participated in the music and art programs.
The open house on Nov. 6 honored Robert and Rodney Pennington and family, who were presented the third annual Chuck Olson caregiver award. Atria Senior Living sent four chefs and created a wonderful spread while Patrick Evans, KESQ chief meteorologist and Eye on the Desert host, once again gave his time to act as emcee. Live entertainment was provided by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Bird Singers.
Donations poured in from all corners of the valley. Special thanks went to Sherwyn Turbow and family for pledging to match all donations made at the event up to $50,000.
The event was made possible through the generosity of The Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation, Custom Care Solutions, 3M Studos, State Farm John Ford, the City of Palm Desert, Acadia, Bella Villagio, Eisai, Senior Living Options and Morgan Stanley.
A special acknowledgement goes to the late Donald Beck, a remarkable man, for his love, friendship, selfless giving and compassion to the ACV Parkinson's support group.
To learn more about Alzheimers Coachella Valley, to volunteer or to make a donation, visit cvalzheimers.org or call (760) 776-3100.
Carole Stephen-Smith began writing in Scotland for a woman's weekly at the age of 15 and then covered American celebrities for the London Evening Echo. Arriving in the desert, she wrote for Desert Woman in the 1990s. Carole focuses on charities that help women as well as medical causes, especially breast cancer awareness, and all aspects of child abuse.
ACV is always looking for volunteers who have a heart for the people of the Coachella Valley. If you are interested in assisting with social groups, hospitality, office help, support group facilitation, organizing special events or fundraising, please contact Priscilla at (760) 776-3100 or via [email protected].