The Longest Day is a team event to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association®. Held annually on the summer solstice, the duration of this sunrise-to-sunset event symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers. Teams are encouraged to create their own experience as they fundraise and participate in an activity they love to honor someone facing the disease.
Go Team Dad Johnson 24 was a 2015 Longest Day Team that raised almost $2,000 through a variety of fundraising activities that allowed them to create their own experience. Elaine Butts, the captain of Go Team Dad Johnson 24, decided to host a walking event as one of those activities to honor her father, who is currently living with dementia.
“I chose walking because my dad loves to walk,” said Elaine. “We asked people to come out on June 21 (the longest day of the year) and walk the route my dad walks every day in our complex.”
Butts and the rest of Go Team Dad Johnson 24 asked for everyone who walked to make a small donation to their team. Even if people could not attend the walking event, they were encouraged to donate.
For 8 hours on June 21, Elaine and her family and friends walked to raise awareness and funds for the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“That day was especially meaningful for me,” said Elaine, “because not only was it Father’s Day, but it was also my parent’s 57th wedding anniversary.”
On the event day, Go Team Dad Johnson 24 had free drinks, snacks, and prizes to raffle off from a number of local organizations including the Air Force Museum, the Dayton Dragons, and Olive Garden.
In addition to this walking event, Elaine Butts and the rest of her team hosted third party fundraisers at local restaurants, including Max & Ermas and Bob Evans.
Elaine and her fundraising efforts for The Longest Day received local attention – she was featured on both FOX45 and WDTN.
Go Team Dad Johnson 24 is a wonderful example that The Longest Day is truly a unique fundraising experience that allows teams to create events and opportunities that help them best honor their loved one while raising critical funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Thank you to Go Team Dad Johnson 24 and Elaine Butts for showing that together, we can show those facing Alzheimer’s disease that they are not alone.
If you would like to learn more about the Longest Day, click here. If you have any questions or would like more information about registering, call Courtney Ross at 937.610.7006.
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