Christmas in July supports the Walk to End Alzheimer’s disease

The temperature was so hot Saturday that even Santa Claus had to wear shorts.

And shades.

Alongside dozens of business owners, shoppers and classic car aficionados, the jolly old elf attended the second Alzheimer's Association Christmas in July sale, held this year in Capital City High School, 1650 Cavalier Drive.

Joe Pallikkathayil, senior walk manager for the local Walk to End Alzheimer's, said Saturday's event was intended to raise money for the annual walk, which is to take place at 2 p.m. Oct. 13 at Memorial Park, 111 Memorial Park Drive. Check-in is at noon. The opening ceremonies begin at 1:30 p.m.

"Holding the event inside is infinitely better than trying to do it outside," Pallikkathayil said.

He added the inaugural Christmas in July was outside at Memorial Park.

"Last July was certainly cooler than this year," he said. "We'd been looking for an indoor home for this, and the school was really gracious about letting us use this space."

Vendors lined the entry hall of the school Saturday afternoon, offering handmade wind chimes, Christmas decorations and custom signs. They also had books, soaps, candles, jewelry, flowers and personal care products.

"Things are popping," Pallikkathayil said. "We'll see -- by the end of the day -- how many people come out in the 'billion-degree' weather, even with this indoors."

He added that regardless of customer turnout, he was pleased about the number of vendors who gathered to talk about the importance of Alzheimer's care. Vendors, he explained, didn't pay to be part of the sale. They offered donations to the walk instead.

Outside the school, food truck vendors offered barbecue, Cajun favorites and cold beverages.

And members of the Missouri Moonshiners Street Rod Club, based in Linn, lined up their vintage vehicles in the sun.

Tom Brandt and the Missouri Moonshiners conducted a poker run and donated proceeds (about $2,500) to the Purple Rain team that includes Henrietta Lopez.

Brandt said he is connected with the association because his sister-in-law struggles with severe Alzheimer's disease. He added that several members of the club have experienced dementia.

Lopez, the leading fundraiser so far this year, monitored a table within the sale where anyone who registered for this year's walk before July 31 was entered to win a $100 Carrie's Hallmark gift card, donated by former Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin.

A goal at the table was to get as many people to sign up for the walk and think about who in their lives they might be walking for. Lopez said Alzheimer's touches about every life.

She pointed out that during Alzheimer's walks, people carry blue flowers for those currently experiencing some type of dementia, purple if they've lost a loved one to the disease, yellow if they are caregivers and orange if they are a supporter who believes in a future without dementia. Nobody has ever carried a white flower.

"We want that white flower. That white flower means that we found a cure," Lopez said.

Teresa Brown, the Alzheimer's Association program manager for Central and Northeast Missouri, brings programs to communities. For a second year, given everything that's going on in July, Brown said she was thrilled with the turnout.

"We're a little light on the Christmas. We could use some snow," she said. "If you missed us today, go online to alz.org/walk and sign up for a walk."

Brown added that people can find walks near home.

"The fun thing about our walk in Jeff City, if you notice the superhero (on the flier), we encourage people to come out in costume," she said. "It's around Halloween time. Put on your capes. As adults, we don't get to wear those much anymore."

Anna Mae Schaefer and her daughter, Carla Buschjost, both of Jefferson City, said they've had Fraternal Order of Eagles teams in the local walk for years. Eagles have raised $8,591 for the 2023 walk so far this year. The organization's goal was $5,000.

Overall, the walk remains far from its goal of $140,000 for 2023. It had raised $33,264 as of Saturday, according to all.org.

Schaefer said she's seen family members suffer through dementia.

"We've been to walks and fundraisers, and support them as much as we can," Buschjost said.

She also said she found some treasures at the event. She bought a book from Modern Maggie's, a pad to place under a bowl in a microwave oven so it doesn't burn your hands, a bookmark and several other items.

Print Headline: Christmas in July supports the Walk to End Alzheimer’s disease

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