By Chris Bavender
The 22nd annual Chocolate Sunday gourmet brunch is just around the corner, but there’s still time to get tickets. The event, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, is set for 11:30 a.m. Nov. 24 at the Ritz Charles.
“I think there’s still kind of a stigma about Alzheimer’s disease – people think it’s a death sentence if you will – so we, as an association, are really trying to raise awareness that there is hope out there,” said Leah Shattuck, communications director for the Alzheimer’s Association. “We are raising money and funds to find a hopeful cure, so being a part of an event like Chocolate Sunday allows people to participate in a national movement that has got to happen.”
Former WTHR chief meteorologist Bob Gregory will serve as master of ceremonies. Chocolate Sunday will feature chocolate treats, a gourmet brunch, a silent auction and a keynote speech by 17-year-old Jason Hatke, a senior at Lebanon High School.
“His father, Mike, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s almost five years ago at the age of 46,” Shattuck said. “So, Jason has spent his entire high school years learning first-hand what Alzheimer’s is and how it can impact a family. He’s been a young voice and young advocate for raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and empowering his peers.”
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to do something to help people, but I didn’t know how. I have looked at this (dad’s diagnosis) as a blessing and a curse,” Hatke said. “Every day I have to watch my dad die slowly, but it’s a blessing to be able to talk with people, young and old. It’s a bond, knowing that people are going through the exact same thing.”
Educating people about the symptoms of younger-onset Alzheimer’s is important, Shattuck said, so they can get help earlier and are able to plan for the future.
“So many other diseases in the U.S. are being funded to get the research they need for drug trials and further research to find a cure but there isn’t really money for this, and it’s the sixth leading cause of death in the country,” she said. “I think many will see over the next two decades that if Alzheimer’s hasn’t affected your life, it will. You will know someone with it or someone who cares for someone with it.”
Chocolate Sunday tickets are $125, $100 and $85. For more information email [email protected], call (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/indiana.
Some of the silent auction items will be available for bidding on the organization’s Website, or directly by cell phones through text bidding. Bidders can pre-register at qtego.net/auc/alzin.
