Alzheimer’s Association is Beneficiary of Super FUNdraiser
3rd Annual Event Organized by Jessica Foster Confections Benefits Santa Barbara Office
On Thursday, September 13, about 125 guests gathered in the courtyard at the Lobero Theatre for the 3rd annual Super FUNdraiser for the Santa Barbara office of the Alzheimer’s Association. The event was organized by Jessica Foster, owner of Jessica Foster Confections, and her team of family and friends.
Thanks to donations from many area businesses, including the Lobero Theatre for the event space, and Foster underwriting the remaining expenses, 100 percent of the proceeds from the event will go to the cause. Approximately $10,000 was raised.
Foster is a huge advocate and supporter who began her efforts after her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She is a board member and organizes a team with about 20 members, JFC4Bette (Jessica Foster Confections for Bette, her mother), for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Emcee David Moorman welcomed the guests and lauded the efforts of Foster and other donors and volunteers. Guests sampled wine from Presqu’ile, Whitcraft, Melville and Palmina Wineries, and generous, delectable passed hors-d’oeuvres from C’est Cheese, Nectar Eatery & Lounge, the Blue Owl, Village Modern Foods, Duo Catering and Events, Sama Sama, and of course, Jessica Foster Confections. A silent auction and very popular spinning wheel game enticed guests and raised additional funds.
Alzheimer’s disease is the 4th leading cause of death in Santa Barbara County, and the 6th leading cause nationally. There is no treatment or cure. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s disease or other type of dementia. Nationally, the Alzheimer’s Association does research, provides care and support, and promotes brain health to reduce the risk of dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association Central California Chapter is headquartered in Santa Barbara and serves Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Kern Counties. It provides a range of free educational and support services for caregivers. There are smaller offices in Santa Maria, Camarillo, San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield.
The Santa Barbara office offers family care consultations which provide counsel to caregivers and an explanation of the services and resources available to them. Educational programs are offered to caregivers and trainings are provided for both caregivers and those with Alzheimer’s disease. More than a dozen support groups facilitated by staff and volunteers meet regularly in Santa Barbara. There is no charge for any of these services.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Saturday, October 29 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort. This is a fun, noncompetitive event expected to draw about 600 participants. For more information, go to act.alz.org/SantaBarbara.
For more information about the Santa Barbara Alzheimer’s Association office, go to alz.org/cacentral. To set up a consultation, call a care specialist at 805-892-4259.
