Month-long Initiative at Maravilla to Benefit the Alzheimer’s Association
10-2-2015

Residents and staff at Maravilla, a luxury senior living community in Santa Barbara, Calif., are on a mission. They’re working tirelessly throughout the month of October to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.

The fundraising drive kicks off on Friday, October 2nd with a “Change Drive” party, encouraging residents, employees and their families to donate their loose change. A representative from the Alzheimer’s Association will be in attendance to share how donated funds are used for research and finding a cure for the disease will affect 5.3 million people in the U.S. this year alone. 

A Charity Bake Sale scheduled for October 7th will showcase the community’s bakers’ amazing talents. Ginger bread cookies, peanut brittle and pumpkin tarts are just a few of the items that will baked by residents and staff. The public is invited to the event, taking place at 10:30 a.m. in Maravilla’s Lobby.

Book lovers can also support the community’s efforts by stopping by the Book Sale on Friday, October 23rd from 1-5 p.m. A variety of genres will be available for sale. Hard Cover books are $0.50 and soft cover books will be $0.25.

“We’re so thrilled to come together as a community to support the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Program Director Jill McRae Hyers. “Maravilla also hopes to retain our title for the most donations to the organization by a senior living community, a title we’ve held for the previous four years.”

A Tamale Cook-off planned for later in the month offers residents and staff yet another opportunity to get involved. Executive Chef Porfirio Lemus is known for his exquisite tamales. He’ll be creating an assortment of these flavorful wraps which can be enjoyed by the Maravilla team with a small donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

During the last week of the month, Maravilla staff will go “Casual for a Cause”. In exchange for supporting the Alzheimer’s Association, they’ll be able to wear jeans to work. 

“The Longest Day” quilt, made by local quilter and former Maravilla employee Ranell Hansen, will be displayed at the community. The quilt was created in honor of the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Longest Day” initiative which encourages people to do something they love or honor a loved one by doing something they loved during the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Raffle tickets will be sold with the quilt as the grand prize.

The month-long fundraiser culminates on Saturday, November 7th when Team Maravilla (residents and employees) participates in the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. 

Maravilla is located at 5486 Calle Real in Santa Barbara. The community offers independent and assisted living lifestyles as well as award-winning memory care services. For more information, please call 805-308-9585.

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