by Franci Bradshaw

FRANKLIN
The Neighborhood Block Party — The Village at Woods Edge’s fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association — far exceeded the 2017 fundraising goals, raising over $17,000.

Three years ago, Billie Turner — then the director of Asa’s Neighborhood, The Village’s memory care unit, now, Village Executive Director — had the idea to host a small fundraiser at The Village supporting the Alzheimer’s Association. That small idea turned into a huge success. That first year, the event, lovingly named the “Neighborhood Block Party,” generated more support and more participants than anyone could have predicted and immediately became an annual and highly anticipated event.

This year, the Neighborhood Block Party generated a donation of $17,329 to the Alzheimer’s Association. Since the first fundraiser three years ago, The Village has collected and donated over $40,000 to the Association.

“Every year we have been so amazed by the amount of donations collected, and this year was certainly no different, said Franci Bradshaw, The Village’s marketing and sales director. “This donation could not be possible without local businesses’ and our community’s support.

“Our goal is to not only collect funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, but to raise awareness of the disease. So many of our loved ones lives have been affected by forms of dementia, and our goal is to rally together as a community to support and honor them.”

More than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This statistic affects our local community as well. Within six months of the opening, Asa’s Neighborhood was completely occupied and has remained completely occupied since its opening.

“It is amazing to see the community pull together in a combined effort to not only find a cure but to provide support to those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia,” Turner said. “The Village is committed to this cause and considers it a part of their mission. We feel honored to sponsor such an event in which residents, families and the community can unite in a common cause.”

FRANCI BRADSHAW is The Village’s marketing and sales director. She can be reached at 562-3100 or franci@villageatwoodsedge.com.