More than 350 people are expected to attend the 13th annual Memory Rock Chicago fundraiser on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Old Crow Smokehouse in River North. Memory Rock Chicago Committee Chair, Andrew Wiedner, says he became involved with the event when Alzheimer’s disease touched his life personally.
“My grandmother, Alyce, lived with Alzheimer’s disease for over 20 years,” says Wiedner. “She was a wonderful person and full of life, but the disease slowly took over and diminished her quality of life. The impact on both the individual and family are significant and something that no one should have to experience. “
Year after year, the Memory Rock Chicago Committee is united by a desire to see an end to this devastating disease. However, according to Wiedner, there is one unique fact about the event’s inception:
“Memory Rock was actually started by someone who has no personal connection to the disease.”
Steve Monroe, Committee Member and Founder of Memory Rock Chicago, came up with the idea for the rock concert benefit after witnessing his friend’s experience with the disease.
“Years ago, I worked with a young woman whose father had passed away after living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. Unbelievably, her mother was also diagnosed with it,” says Monroe. “As I learned a bit more about Alzheimer’s, we thought it was important to do something and to raise awareness. Thus, we asked Joe’s Sports Bar to host a concert, and we got a couple of local bands to play. It took off from there.”
Memory Rock Chicago brings people together from all across Chicagoland for an unforgettable evening of live music, drinks, dancing and more. Guests can also enter to win lavish prizes during the raffle and silent auction, such as Cubs tickets, boxing classes, a signed Rolling Stones album, restaurant gift certificates, Chicago tour tickets, yoga and meditation classes and a signed Tiger Woods Masters Flag. All proceeds from Memory Rock Chicago benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, and last year’s event raised more than $116,000 for Alzheimer’s care, support and research efforts. According to Monroe, the concert’s impact has grown substantially over the past 13 years.
“We raised about $3,500 at the first event. As the event grew, we gained wonderful sponsors like Bill and Dan Barry, and now we raise over $100,000 per year.”
Tickets for Memory Rock Chicago include guest entry, appetizers, open bar, silent auction, raffle, live entertainment and more. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.memoryrockchicago.com.
“It’s a great time with fun people and big energy from the live bands, all while raising money for a great cause – truly a night not to miss!”
Opmerkingen