This company goes all in on Walk
Prestige Assisted Living of Marysville is a longtime supporter of Walk to End Alzheimer’s. They have been sponsoring the Yuba City Walk since it began seven years ago and had sponsored the Chico Walk before that. We spoke with Betsy Kensinger, Community Relations Director at Prestige Assisted Living of Marysville to learn more about their Walk experience.
How is your company fundraising?
Friday night bingo
“Once a month we have a family and friend’s bingo night,” shares Betsy. “It started as a fun thing. After a couple of months, I thought we should be putting this towards Walk.” Staff ask for $1 per bingo card. The grand prize is $50 and the rest of the money goes towards Walk.
Every dollar raised towards Walk benefits those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and provides care, support and research. “We raise about $100 a month,” said Betsy. “It’s fun, and it’s something we can do consistently.”
Art auction
A few months ago, Dr. Ed McGrath, a resident of Prestige Assisted Living, died at the age of 101. “He was an artist with a ton of artwork,” said Betsy. “His nephew asked if we would like to keep his paintings. We couldn’t accept them, so we came up with a compromise and put together a silent auction.”
Ed was a college professor and author. After he retired, he discovered his love for classical music, genealogy and painting. “He developed Alzheimer’s at the end of his life,” recalls Betsy. “He was funny and had a booming voice. He lived with us for a year and a half and everybody loved him.”
The auction ran until the end of August and any of the proceeds were donated to the Yuba City Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
How do you get your staff excited about Walk day?
“We encourage them to become involved,” Betsy shares. “We talk about it at our all staff meeting, and we order special shirts.” Walk participants can earn a Walk to End Alzheimer’s t-shirt by raising $100 but some teams also create their own team shirts.
“Our staff is really great. We had about 14 people on our team last year,” recalls Betsy. “To work in this industry, you have to have a passion for the people and want to support the families.” This year they are excited to expand their team to include the Marysville High School Cheer team. By participating in Walk, staff can show their support for a cause that impacts many of their residents.
Why is it important to be a sponsor?
Walk to End Alzheimer’s relies on sponsors to make Walk day a success. It’s companies like Betsy’s that help bring the Walk to life. “Alzheimer’s affects our residents daily,” states Betsy. “It is our goal to provide a quality of life for them that is beneficial.”
Betsy goes on to say, “It’s important we make progress in combating this disease and to find a cure that will help our residents.” Being an important part of making Walk day a reality brings Betsy, her residents, and all those facing this disease one step closer to a cure.
Form a team and join the Yuba City Walk on September 7 at Gauche Park in Yuba City. Not in Yuba City? Find the Walk to End Alzheimer’s near you at alz.org/walk.
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