Celebrating 30 Years!

It was wonderful to come together for our 30^th Anniversary Gala sponsored by L’Auberge Casino and Hotel on March 21. It is hard to believe how far we have come from the support group Mona Romaine started back in 1983! Though we still face the challenges of the devastating disease that is Alzheimer’s, we have continued to expand the network of educational resources and support throughout the 10-parish area we serve.

So many people who have been significant to our organization over the years made the evening a huge success! In addition, we were honored to have Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne as our Master of Ceremonies, Mayor Kip Holden and special guests James Carville and Mary Matalin. I must say the mayor’s extremely touching words moved me beyond tears. This disease is very close to my family making it all the more emotional! James and Mary kept it light-hearted and poignant as they shared their own story.  Ned Fasullo and the Fabulous Little Big Band provided live musical entertainment to complement the memorable evening in addition to a commemorative cake donated by Maureen Frey and an array of hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

It was a powerful event with so many people affected by Alzheimer’s in some way! How nice to celebrate the accomplishments that have been made and the lives that have been impacted. I pray that a cure for Alzheimer’s will soon be available, but it is comforting to know that we can help caregivers through the challenging journey in the meantime. Our Executive Director, Barbara Auten, is dedicated to this mission and is also deeply affected. Thanks to the Baton Rouge community for making our efforts possible and making a difference in the lives of so many of us!

-Jeri McCullough