‘Paint the Night Purple’ event will raise Alzheimer’s funds

Staff report

POLAND

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter will introduce a Mahoning Valley “Paint the Night Purple” benefit April 18 at The Lake Club.

At 6 p.m. festivities will begin with a cash bar and social hour, and dinner will be served at 7. Music, entertainment and live and silent auctions will be featured, as will a 50-50 drawing.

Tickets cost $75 per person, and patron tickets are $125.

For information about tickets, sponsorships, buying an ad for the program book or donating an item for the auctions, call Helen Paes at 330-533-3300 or email her at hpaes@alz.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s signature color, purple, will be interwoven as part of the event’s theme at its new venue.

A highlight of the evening will be the recognition of two area residents for their volunteerism, allowing the organization to expand public awareness and raise funds for Alzheimer’s support, care and research.

Michaelene Meelich of Canfield has been named the 2015 honoree. She has been a volunteer leader on the planning committee for gala events and the Trumbull-Warren Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and she has served as the facilitator of the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group in Warren. She recently became facilitator of a new support group in Hubbard.

Meelich, known as “Mickey,” will participate in the upcoming Memory Day in Columbus to meet with state legislators and advocate for Alzheimer’s issues. A manager at the family-owned Komara Jewelers, Meelich lost her mother to Alzheimer’s in 2013.

Dr. Christopher and Marilyn King, a Sebring couple, will receive the 2015 Inspiration Award for their work in educating the public about issues that face a person with Alzheimer’s and his caregivers.

Dr. King, a retired ophthalmologist, was diagnosed with the disease a few years ago. He and his wife have been dedicated to lifting the stigma associated with the disease.

The couple use every opportunity to meet with state and federal legislators to advocate for change in laws and to increase research funding.

They have participated in Memory Day and the Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C.

Stadium GM Superstore of Salem and VEC Inc. are the presenting sponsors. Other sponsors are Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation, the platinum sponsor for the event. Gold sponsors are Guardian Eldercare, Home Savings, Mercy Health Foundation, Vista Care Centers and Windsor House Inc. Silver sponsors are Comfort Keepers, Crandall Medical Center on the campus of Copeland Oaks, Denise DeBartolo York, Fleming Lease, First National Bank and Stifel.

Komara Jewelers is the jewelry sponsor. It is providing a Bellarri amethyst rose and sterling necklace and bracelet collection with a value of more than $3,100. Guests can buy tickets to win both pieces.

Proceeds of the event will support the programs and services the association offers to Valley residents, which include family care consultations, caregiver programs and education programs.

More than 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with the fatal disease, which, in Ohio, has the highest prevalence rate in this region.

Jim Loboy, meteorologist and morning personality of WYTV, will serve as master of ceremonies, and Chris Roman of Roman Auctioneers of Canfield will conduct the live auction.

The Rick Barber Trio will provide music, and k.m.r. photo booth rentals will allow guests to capture special moments.