Mums for Memory™, the fourth annual fund-raiser for AOS & Friends Care: What Can WE Do To Help? AOS & Friends Care (AOS&FC), a local nonprofit dedicated to serving the direct care needs and supporting programs to benefit those affected by dementia in Moore County and the surrounding area, is now accepting donations.
More than 5 million Americans are coping with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, and another person is diagnosed every 66 seconds, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. AOS&FC hopes to create a community of awareness where older adults and their caregivers feel supported and have access to the services they need to successfully navigate the challenges of aging while maintaining their quality of life.
“Unless you’ve cared for someone suffering from dementia, it is extremely difficult to realize what is needed or the toll it takes” says John Barrett, AOS&FC co-founder and former caregiver for his wife, Mary Anne. “During our journey, there were more than a few times I wished that there had been more community awareness and resources.”
The Mums for Memory™ sponsors and individual donors have funded 42 direct care grants,12 personalized music players, purchased 46 robo-companion pets, creating a Memory Cafe, and presenting community education programs.
“We have had a very busy year, putting thousands of dollars into our community support programs,” says Amy Natt, AOS&FC board president. “Once again, Green Haven Plant Farm in Carthage is growing purple mums for us to share with donors.”
Every $25 donation entitles the donor to a purple mum with a commemorative bookmark, designating the name of the loved one for whom the mum is in memory of or honors.
Mums may be picked up in person on Thursday, Sept 26, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Aging Outreach Services, located at 676 NW Broad Street in Southern Pines. The Mums for Memory pick-up event is open to the public with live music, light hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine.
Direct donations and Mums for Memory™ event sponsorship opportunities are available at $100, $250 and $500 levels. All donations are tax-deductible and are used to support the direct care grants, memory café, personalized music, and robo companion pets of AOS&FC.
AOS &Friends Care, Inc is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit whose mission is to provide direct care and community support to older adults who are dealing with the challenges of aging, with a specific focus on those with dementia.
To donate or become a sponsor visit www.mumsformemory.org. For more information email [email protected].
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
