About the Event

A GARDEN PARADISE ENCHANTS GUESTS AND RAISES MORE THAN $218,000 FOR ALZHEIMER'S FAMILY SERVICES CENTER

Alzheimer's Family Services Center (AFSC) hosted its 11th annual gala, "A Gathering of Friends" - A Garden Paradise, on Friday, May 13, 2011 at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel in Huntington Beach. Approximately 275 guests enjoyed an enchanting evening filled with the sights and sounds of a magical garden as the center celebrated two amazing womenDistinguished Friend Mary Lou Shattuck, longtime agency supporter, and Participant Honoree Gail McManigal of Costa Mesa.

Mary Lou Shattuck, 2011 Distinguished Friend, was recognized for her many years of service to the center. Dr. Cordula Dick-Muehlke had the honor of presenting a beautifully engraved vase filled with roses and a tribute book filled with treasured memories and photos from family and friends to Mary Lou as tokens of the agency's appreciation for all that she has done and continues to do for AFSC. During her presentation to Mary Lou, Dr. Dick Muehlke shared, "For the past 7 years, as an event volunteer, board member, and officer, trusted advisor and a resource that is always just a call away, Mary Lou has played an integral role in the growth of Alzheimer's Family Services Center."

Gail McManigal, 2011 Participant Honoree, was recognized with an 8-minute tribute video that allowed guests to truly get to know Gail. Her family and friends, many of whom were present that evening, came together to share their stories of Gail on camera. One story featured in the video recalls a letter from a student who wrote to Gail 20 years after having her as a teacher. The following statement pulled directly from the letter exemplifies the deep impact Gail made on her students:

"You did such a good job with all that was going on in the classroom. You taught me to love reading! ... You made such an impression on me! I just wanted you to know how much I value all that you did for me. I can't ever thank you enough."

Dr. Dick-Muehlke presented Gail's husband Bruce with copies of the video and Gail with a large bouquet of roses, representing her love of gardens and flowers. Bruce took the opportunity to say a few words, sharing, "Gail and I have been happily married for 50 years and we are still happy." The crowd responded with loud clapping. Bruce went on to thank the staff at AFSC for everything they have done and continue to do for Gail, himself, and the entire family.

Near the end of the evening, Gail's two granddaughters, Alicia and Madison, pulled winners for the exciting opportunity drawing. First place won $1,500 in cash, second place a 32 gigabyte Apple iPad, and third place 4 park hopper passes to Disneyland! Guests were then invited to stay and dance the night away with live music by Power House, entertainment by Coconut Productions.

As guests started to leave for the evening, many were heard boasting of the auction items they had won, and sharing how much they enjoyed themselves.

"This was my first year as Event Chair and I am so proud to have been a part of this event. I am proud because we honored two well-deserving women, and we did it with grace and style. We had an amazing committee constituted of dedicated volunteers who bent over backwards to ensure everything went perfectly. My favorite part of the event was that it accomplished all the goals set forth - both financially and emotionally. We wanted our guests to get to know Gail and her family so that they could understand why the services that AFSC provides are so valuable. We wanted guests to witness how their support is helping real people and making a big difference," commented Greg Joslyn, an AFSC board member. Greg went on to say, "I especially want to thank Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian for the sponsorship challenge match of $75,000! We were so pleased to have achieved the match, which helped us raise more than $218,000 in support of the agency's mission."

Alzheimer's Family Services Center, proudly affiliated with the Hoag Neurosciences Institute, is an independent, nonprofit agency dedicated to improving quality of life for families challenged by Alzheimer's disease or another dementia through services tailored to meet individual needs. Our services address the complex and changing needs of families as Alzheimer's disease progresses from the earliest to most advanced stages. Funds raised by event sponsorships, ticket sales and a live and silent auction will help provide dementia-specific adult day health care, caregiver support services, and community education and outreach. To learn more or to consult with a dementia care expert, please call (714) 593-9630