Dec 28, 2014 3 min read

We asked, and you answered.

Thanks to the support of individuals and businesses in Washington and Greene counties, the Observer-Reporter raised $25,480 to support local Alzheimer’s victims and their families and caregivers.

The newspaper partnered with the Washington County Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greene County to establish charitable funds as part of the “No Longer Me” Alzheimer’s series launched in March.

The lion’s share of the proceeds was raised through a benefit purse auction in November at the Meadows Casino. After expenses, a total of $16,277 was deposited in foundation funds.

The money will be distributed to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging and Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter to support Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers in the two-county area. The checks will be issued to the two agencies after the foundation boards approve the disbursements, likely early next year.

“The success of the purse auction can be attributed to the overwhelming support of the community – those who attended the event, sponsors, business donors and the volunteers who helped organize the auction,” said Lucy Corwin, director of news. “We sincerely thank everyone who attended or contributed. The proceeds of the auction have been distributed to the No Longer Me Funds at the community foundations in Washington and Greene counties.”

The Alzheimer’s Association will use its portion of the proceeds for educational programming in Washington and Greene counties. The Area Agency on Aging will use its share for caregiver support in the two-county area.

“Our agency is very grateful for the donations raised by the Observer-Reporter to help provide support to families caring for loved ones suffering with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” said Leslie Grenfell, executive director of the local Area Agency on Aging. “The contributions received will be used to specifically grant caregiver ‘wishes’ that may include such assistance as respite care relief, reimbursement for caregiver supplies, specialized adaptive equipment and one-time home modifications.

“As there is currently a waiting list for the caregiver support program, all of the donations received will be used to expand the program to help additional families who have been waiting for services and supports designed to ease the stress of caregiving.

“The Alzheimer’s disease yearlong educational series provided a much-needed awareness of the disease and the impact it has upon the lives of each family it touches,” Grenfell said. “Thank you again for providing such a valuable public service.”