Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County Celebrates Caregivers at Annual Visionary Women Luncheon

IRVINE, Calif. - April 9, 2015 - PRLog -- In honor of Mother’s Day, one of America’s iconic TV moms, actress Florence Henderson from “The Brady Bunch,” will join Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County (AAOC) for its 9th annual Visionary Women Luncheon on Friday, May 15. The event, at the unique venue Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado Canyon, will honor five outstanding caregivers who have dedicated their lives to caring for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“Women are at the epicenter of the Alzheimer’s epidemic representing more than two-thirds of the 5 million individuals living with the disease—and the majority of caregivers are women, too,” said Jim McAleer, President and CEO of AAOC. “The affected women are our mothers, wives, daughters and grandmothers. Our annual luncheon gives men and women an opportunity to come together in the fight against this terrible disease and offer hope for a world without Alzheimer’s.”

Supporters are encouraged to arrive at the beautiful Rancho Las Lomas at 10 a.m. to enjoy an artisan gift faire featuring handmade items, a silent auction and a gourmet lunch. Guests also will have an opportunity to stroll through the lush gardens at the 32-acre resort and enjoy the zoological garden, which features exotic wildlife such as zebras and white Bengal tigers.

During the program, AAOC will recognize five inspirational caregivers, nominated for their selfless work with individuals living with this disease. Honorees will be presented with caregiver awards, a distinction that reflects their strong dedication to providing compassionate care.

Guest speaker Florence Henderson, an accomplished actress best known for playing the mother on the ‘70s sitcom The Brady Bunch, is no stranger to the challenge incurable diseases pose to families. In 2002, her husband of 18 years was diagnosed with a terminal illness. This tragic event prompted Henderson to help others facing similar situations by becoming a healthcare and motivational speaker. She will share her story of hope with event supporters.

One of Orange County’s most anticipated events, the luncheon is organized by Visionary Women 1000, a group of local women whose mission is to support the nonprofit by raising funds and awareness of Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia. Visionary Women 1000, spearheaded by Jacqueline Dupont, Susan Johnson, Jeannie Lawrence and Diane Mondini and Stacy Schlinger, is becoming one of AAOC’s most valuable advocacy groups, bringing together more than 300 influential members.

“Visionary Women 1000 was created to bring women together to fight a disease that has claimed every single life it has touched and, of course, honor inspirational caregivers,” said Jacqueline Dupont, AAOC board member and a founder of the Visionary Women Leadership Circle. “Our group continues to expand and we expect to grow our numbers during 2015, enabling us to spread awareness of AAOC and all it offers, and raise more dollars to fund its programs as well as research.”

Dupont added, “We invite all women in Orange County to consider joining Visionary Women 1000 and the upcoming luncheon is the perfect way to find out what we are all about.”

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the many forms of dementia that affects approximately 84,000 individuals in Orange County. Locally the fourth leading cause of death, Alzheimer’s currently cannot be prevented, slowed or cured and is greatly under diagnosed. One hundred percent of event proceeds will benefit AAOC’s programs and services, which are free of charge for individuals and families affected by the disease.

Individual seats are available for $150 and VIP seats are $250. Sponsorship packages start at $2,500 for Silver Sponsor, $5,000 for Gold Sponsor, $10,000 for Presenting Sponsor and $25,000 for Title Sponsor. For information about tickets or sponsorship opportunities, email EventsOC@Alz.org, call (949) 955-9000 or visit www.alz.org/oc.

About Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County

The Alzheimer's Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Since 1982, Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County Chapter has been providing programs and services, free of charge, to Orange County residents with Alzheimer’s and related disorders, their families, caregivers, and the community. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative illness that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900, or visit www.alz.org/oc.