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STARS ARE OUT 2008

“Starry, Starry, Night Raises Funds for the Alzheimer's Association”
Story by Kris Hall

The stars were shining on Friday evening, February 15th at the Embassy Suites Hotel as over 300 guests of the Alzheimer's Association Great Plains Chapter held their annual fundraiser “THE STARS ARE OUT”. The evening’s events were supported by Grand Sponsors, The Arbors, Emerald Care Company, The Harry A. Koch Company, HBE Investment Advisors LLC, Lincoln Industries, Pella Products of Omaha and Lincoln, REAMS Sprinkler Supply, Solution One, Tabitha Foundation, Inc., and Tier One Bank. Corporate Co-Chairs were John Dittman of Cornhusker Bank and Jerry Joyce of Cherry Hill Company. Event Co-Chairs Vicki Powell and Connie Walt provided leadership and direction for the planning committee. The evening was emceed by Cathy Blythe and Mark Taylor of KFOR, the 2007-2008 radio partner of the Alzheimer's Association.

The evening began with a social hour and the “Star Box” sales, an annual tradition that guests seem to love! Small cardboard “star” boxes are sold and contained gifts and certificates from local merchant donors. Each gift is worth at least $10 and some are valued at well over $200! There is a surprise in every box and guests this year quickly chose their prizes before dinner was even served. Some items too large for the boxes were on display which adds to the excitement as random selections give everyone a chance to see what MIGHT be inside! New this year, was the “Memory Tree” which gave everyone in attendance the opportunity to sign a star in memory or honor of someone affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The tree, which also displayed stars with pictures of loved ones donated by their families, was a take off from the chapter’s annual themed “Memory Tree” Christmas display.

A welcome by Rennie Walt, Alzheimer's Association Board Chair, proceeded the sit-down dinner. Following the meal, a segment of a video produced by Belita Kalala was shown that depicts the daily routine that a young Lincoln couple face as they deal with the impact of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The touching story of this family as they cope with Alzheimer’s was a sobering moment for many in the crowd.

The annual live auction with theme baskets created by Board Members Art Anderson, Rich Bailey, Mike Bousquet, Jim Cook, John Hanigan, Mary Harris-Rauner, Wanda Huls, and Rennie Walt provided a chance for patrons to donate to the organization. Trips donated by local supporters Andrew Abboud, Rich Bailey, Jim & Judy Cada, Jack Irwin, John Hanigan and Dolores Young provided a wide array of destinations for bidders to choose from. A high definition TV donated by Schaffer’s TV and Appliance with a 3 month cable service donated by TimeWarner was also auctioned. The auctioneering talents of Jim Coy were displayed as he donated his time for a worthy cause. All proceeds from the evening’s activities are used in the Great Plains Chapter area for education, programs, and services for those affected by the disease, as well as respite services for caregivers.

The entertainment for the evening was comedian Willie Farrell, who kept guests laughing until the end. As the guests departed, many who had personal ties to the disease understood what the “STARS” evening is all about….leaders in our community who give unselfishly of their time and talents to help others.

The “Stars Are Out” event raises money to support programs and services to local and chapter residents who have been touched by this devastating disease. The money raised through a live auction, as well as corporate sponsorships and individual donations, permits the Chapter to educate caregivers, provide programs, and offer support and services to help families with difficult care decisions.

The “Stars Are Out” committee co-chairs Vicki Powell and Connie Walt along with the Alzheimer's Association staff wish to thank all of those involved in making this event a “shining” success. It was truly a “starry, starry night” with all proceeds going towards a very important mission. Donations are still being accepted at the Alzheimer's Association office. Please contact the office at 420-2540 for more information.