Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and similar diseases are becoming increasingly common, according to the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association. Dementia is a problem affecting over 7 million Americans age 65 and older and may reach 13 million by 2050.
As a person’s dementia becomes more severe, they frequently need medical intervention and a long-term caregiver — services in short supply.
In the face of this mounting crisis, the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center has spearheaded efforts to fight back. The JCC hosted its annual Friendship Circle Luncheon at The Lannin at Eisenhower Park on Oct. 9, a large-scale fundraiser bringing together hundreds of community members to support families living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and related conditions.
Denise Silverberg founded the Friendship Circle Luncheon 22 years ago.
“I never dreamed that over two decades later, the Friendship Circle Luncheon would grow into a top fundraiser and become one of Long Island’s premier fundraising events,” she said.
The JCC’s adult day program started in 1999 with three members and one program. The group has grown to serve over 100 families across a multitude of programs designed for different ages and stages of dementia progression, including young-onset cases and adult day programs.
“As this cruel disease progresses, we’re able to really provide quality of life, purpose and engagement for individuals at our SJJCC,” said Taylor Graf, the SJJCC’s Associate Executive Director of Social Services.
Luncheon’s co-chairs, Andrea Stein and Gabrielle Goodman, have worked together on the annual event for three years.
“We are raising money to support the adult day programs at the JCC,” Goodman said. “The primary focus of this luncheon is to raise money for these programs, and we are able to take on more people. We just need the funds for it.”
The programs are designed to de-isolate people in difficult circumstances by providing a sturdy social network that is open five days a week with group activities that are physically, cognitively and socially engaging. Every half hour, the activity changes to increase stimulation. The JCC provides hot Kosher-style lunches every day as well as transportation arrangements. For relatives, informational symposiums and practical support groups are available.
SJJCC’s special guests this year were Joy Bauer, NBC’s Today Show nutrition and lifestyle expert, as well as award-winning actress and performer Montana Tucker, who has a combined following of 14 million followers across different social media platforms.
“My passion is just enabling people to live their healthiest and happiest life,” Bauer said. “My grandmother, who was a massive role model for me, a huge inspiration, a pioneer, a trailblazer, she suffered with dementia the last eight to 10 years of her life, and it was just heartbreaking.
“I’m blown away by the extraordinary programs and outreach that the SJJCC provides, and I’m just so happy to collaborate and help support it.”
Tucker’s grandmother, 96, is a Holocaust survivor and has been battling with Alzheimer’s for 16 years. Her grandmother is an inspiration for her Alzheimer’s activism and advocacy for the Jewish community. One of Tucker’s most important messages to the public is to catch Alzheimer’s early.
“People wait until they’re too old to start learning about it,” she said. “I think it’s important that the younger generation hears about it earlier and does their research earlier.”
In addition to the luncheon’s main honoree, two awards were granted to outstanding community members.
Rebecca Schaja, the SJJCC’s board vice president, was honored at the luncheon. A devoted philanthropist, Schaja has also worked in leadership positions with Solomon Schechter School of Long Island and the Long Island Council for Birthright Israel.
Peggy Dolgin, is the SJJCC’s Tikkun Olam Award recipient, honoring her work ‘repairing the world.’ Dolgin has an extensive career as an essayist, poet, and writer, and is the first woman appointed to the board at the Engineers Country Club at the SJJCC. She has been a part of the Friendship Circle committee for over a decade.
The third community member is Thomas Gorman, a law enforcement officer with the Old Westbury Police Department. He received the Community Service Award.
“This is the first year that we’re ever giving a Community Service Award,” Stein said. “Officer Gorman, on New Year’s Day, helped an 82-year-old man suffering with Alzheimer’s and dementia who had gotten lost for 14 hours.”
The man was returned home in a “powerful reminder that service is not only about duty, it is about going above and beyond to ensure that every member of our community is safe,” she added.
To learn more about upcoming JCC events, visit SJJCC.org.
