Activity was brewing today at Shannondale of Knoxville’s Buckingham community as residents made their way to the community center to host and participate in a fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Tennessee. Decked out in fall decor, residents entered the building to purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win donated baskets–each with a different theme and goodies inside. The baskets were primarily donated by Buckingham residents and Shannondale staff. After placing their tickets in the jars for the desired baskets, attendees could also purchase a delicious boxed lunch to take home.
“Alzheimer’s Tennessee is the one charity fundraiser that both the Buckingham Community and Shannondale endorse each year,” said Event Organizer Caroline Graber. “In a normal year, we’ve had a sit-down lunch with the basket drawing, but this year because of COVID we tried to adapt, so we went to the box lunches and spreading out the baskets. People come in and buy their tickets and then the drawing is in the afternoon–they have a boxed lunch to take home with them. All of our proceeds go to Alzheimer’s Tennessee.”
Graber also explained the event takes place every fall and raises several thousand dollars and noted that even towards the start of this year’s event, they had already taken $800. She also shared that although people can donate to the basket raffle, some prefer to write a check directly to the nonprofit. Although it’s primarily residents of Shannondale’s Buckingham community who participate, residents from the recently-opened independent living community, The Lodge, also were invited.
Supporting Alzheimer’s Tennessee is a worthy cause. The mission of the organization is to serve those facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, to promote brain health through education, and to champion global research, prevention and treatment efforts. The organization provides family support, offers community and professional education, advocates for the needs and rights of those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as research for its prevention, cure, and treatment.
“Shannondale has been a long-time supporter and it’s amazing how Shannondale and Buckingham come together in that support,” said Alzheimer’s Tennessee Special Projects Coordinator Kay Watson. Alzheimer’s Tennessee is very focused on the local community. The funds they raise help us provide education and support throughout the state but especially right here in Knoxville. It’s a neat opportunity since the fundraising and awareness really go hand-in-hand. I hope it reminds people here and their families that they’re not alone, and if they have questions, that we’re here and can answer them and be part of the journey. We help families navigate that with tools and resources. Having a partner like Shannondale is a great thing.”
For more information on Alzheimer’s Tennessee visit https://www.alztennessee.org/.
To learn more about independent living at Shannondale visit: Independent Living – Shannondale Knoxville, Maryville (shannondaletn.com)