Merrill Gardens gears up for Alzheimer's Walk

The staff and residents of Merrill Gardens at Gardnerville have kicked off fundraising efforts for the Alzheimer's Association Capital City Memory Walk which will take place in Carson City on Sept. 29. Team Merrill Gardens' goal is to raise at least $1,500 for Alzheimer research, care and support. The team is well on its way to that goal, raising more than $750 in the first month of fundraising.

The Merrill Gardens staff kicked off fundraising efforts by going "Casual for a Cause," wearing jeans and purple tops, the official color of the Alzheimer's Association, to work. Each staff member who participated made a donation and together raised more than $100. The staff and residents will have a "Casual for a Cause" day once a month from now until the Memory Walk.

The second fundraising event was the community parking lot sale.

Staff members, residents and family members donated furniture, clothing and knick-knacks for the sale and raised more than $650.

"Our community is very passionate about this cause," said General Manager Jeri Shields, "We live with the disease every day and see how deeply it affects our residents, families and community. We would love to see a cure for Alzheimer's and other types of dementia and that is why our entire community is stepping up so enthusiastically to help Team Merrill Gardens raise as much money as we possibly can."

The Capital City Memory Walk will take place at the state capitol grounds in Carson City. Anyone interested in being a part of Team Merrill Gardens or pledging support for the team, contact community relations director/team captain Corneil Vacirca at 782-3100.

Merrill Gardens at Gardnerville is a retirement community offering active retirement living, assisted living and Alzheimer's/Dementia memory care.

Located behind the Carson Valley Medical Center at 1565-A Virginia Ranch Road in Gardnerville, Merrill Gardens at Gardnerville features studio, one bedroom and two bedroom private apartments.

Call 782-3100 for more information or to set up a tour and lunch.