With live music filling the air, attendees sampled chili from six competitors.
On Friday afternoon, July 16, residents and staff of Aegis Living Ventura, a local assisted living and memory care community, gathered with partners, friends, and family members for a chili cook-off to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association and their Longest Day initiative.
The Longest Day is a yearly fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, centered on the summer solstice and longest day of the year on June 20. Supporters from around the globe ban together to raise funds at events like the chili cook-off. Proceeds from the Aegis Living event went directly to support the Association’s California Central Coast Chapter.
“Today was a proud moment for our community,” shared Sam EL-Rabaa, Aegis Living Ventura’s general manager. “To see the outpouring of support for the Alzheimer’ Association from our community partners, families, residents, and public was so uplifting, but the best part was seeing how much residents were enjoying themselves.”
With live music filling the air, attendees sampled chili from six competitors: Ventura Post Acute, Coastal View Health Care, Assisted Home Health and Hospice, Mission Home Health and Hospice, Oakhurst Hospice, and Aegis Living. Each competitor decorated their own table and tent, and many residents got into the spirit, wearing festive costumes and dancing to the music.
“We had a great turnout today,” said Denise Tyner, chili competitor from Ventura Post Acute. “We’re proud to be associated with this event and the attention it brings to the Alzheimer’s Association.”
Assisted Home Health and Hospice took home the “Best Chili” trophy, with Aegis Living’s Mary Sawyer snagging the “Best Presentation” award thanks to her creative table décor.
The event was a rousing success. The initial fundraising goal of $500 was almost doubled by the end of the day, with nearly $1,000 raised for the Alzheimer’s Association. Plans are already underway to make the chili cook-off into an annual event.
“Today was amazing,” said Sawyer. “It was a day of celebrating not just the fact that we are getting back to normal, but also celebrating those residents living with Alzheimer’s and offering support to our families.”
All in attendance, especially Aegis Living residents, couldn’t have been happier to be out and about, and for such a great cause.
