By Maddison Rametta
The Longest Day is the day with the most light — the summer solstice. On June 21, thousands of participants from across the world come together to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice. Together, they use their creativity and passion to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
This month, get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and The Longest Day with these local events:
- Purple Parade and Gala
On June 11, join the Admiral and his daughters for a parade and gala in Jacksonville. At 10 a.m., the parade begins at the City of Atlantic Beach Police station and snakes its way through the streets, ending at ABBQ for a mimosa celebration. Celebrate all care takers past and present by joining us from 6 -10 p.m. for the Purple Gala while raising money to further the research and understanding and one day, finding a cure for Alzheimer’s.
More information on this event.
Support The Purple Parade and Gala with a donation on their event page.
2. Gainesville Bridge Club Tournament
Join the Gainesville Bridge Club in their efforts to raise money for The Longest Day. There will be several projects; Joan Williams will paint small portraits of your favorite pet or will take commissions for larger paintings. Chances in a raffle to win an $1,000 American Express Gift Card will also be sold! The raffle winner will be announced at the event on June 18, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Support The Gainseville Bridge Club Tournament with a donation on their event page.
3. Deland Bridge Club Tournament
Bridge enthusiasts, it’s your time to shine! Join the Deland Bridge Club from 1 -2:30 p.m. for a Bridge Tournament on June 21 to fundraise for The Longest Day.
Support The Deland Bridge Club Tournament with a donation on their event page.
4. Paint Sentrics Purple
On June 21, help us fundraise for The Longest Day. Sentrics is going purple from 2 -5p.m. in Daytona Beach.
Support Painting Sentrics Purple with a donation on their event page.
5. Purple Lighting Night
Join us in Lake Eola Park in Orlando to help raise awareness and fundraise for The Longest Day on June 21! Host Amanda Harris will say a few words at the bandshell around 8 p.m., followed by involvement with local restaurants and bars. Stop by Lake Eola Wine Co. or Stubborn mule to grab dinner or drinks. Stubborn Mule will be donating 50% of the proceeds from the sales of their purple beverage, “Purple Rain”, to The Longest Day and Lake Eola Wine Co. will offer the discounted price of $5 for their Lavender Mimosa.
6. Jog Your Memory Fun 5K
Calling all runners! Join us on June 21 at 6:21 p.m. for a 5K to help fundraise for The Longest Day. This event will take place in Clermont Waterfront Park, and there is a suggested registration fee of $6.21.
Support The Jog Your Memory Fun 5K with a donation on their event page.
7. World of Beer Fundraiser
Come hungry on June 10 from 8 -10 p.m. at World of Beer in Orlando! Show the above flier or mention the Alzheimer’s Association for 15% of your order proceeds to go to The Longest Day.
8. Dementia Friendly Dining
The Town House, The Meatball Stoppe and Patio Grill will all be offering Dementia Friendly Dining on The Longest Day! Location details:
The Town House Restaurant
- Tuesday, June 21 2 -5 p.m. and every Wednesday 2 -5 p.m.
- 139 N Central Avenue, Oviedo, FL 32765
- (407) 365-5151
- oviedotownhouse.com/menu
Patio Grill
- Tuesday, June 21 9 a.m. -2 p.m. and every Tuesday 9 a.m. -2 p.m. thereafter.
- 2900 South Orlando Drive, Sanford, FL 32773
- (407) 322-3000
- sanfordpatiogrill.com/menu
The Meatball Shoppe
- Tuesday, June 21 2 –5 p.m. and every Tuesday 2 –5 p.m.
- 7325 Lake Underhill Rd, Orlando, FL 32822
- (407) 270-6505
- themeatballstoppe.com/menu
Keep up with more Dementia Friendly Dining events.
9. Forms of Knowing at Lufrano Intercultural Gallery
The University of North Florida’s Lufrano Intercultural Gallery will be hosting Forms of Knowing beginning on The Longest Day! From June 21 to November 11, join us Monday through Friday to observe the work of Ellie Brown, Rosemarie Oakman and many other cultural documents considering Alzheimer’s Research.
10. BJ’s Brewhouse Partial Proceeds
On June 30, from 5 -10p.m., join at BJ’s Brewhouse in Pensacola. For dine in, take out, or online order, 20% of the proceeds from food and soft beverage sales will benefit The Longest Day.
Make a reservation or order online here.
Today, an estimated 50 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, including more than 6 million Americans. In the United States alone, more than 11 million friends and family members are providing their care. We must take action now, or these numbers will continue to rise.
Turn your passion into purpose! Host or participate in events at alz.org.
