Alzheimer's Orange County to Pay Tribute to Local Caregivers

    IRVINE, CA, April 23, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Thirty-nine years ago, Alzheimer's Orange County (AOC) Visionary Woman and board member Jeannie Lawrence met her beloved husband Richard. They traveled the world together and raised two sons, Brett and Richard. In 2005, Lawrence tragically lost her husband to Alzheimer's, just one month after they celebrated their 25th anniversary. On Friday, May 20, Lawrence will unite with AOC for its 10th annual Visionary Women Caregiver Luncheon to celebrate caregivers, like Jeannie, who have dedicated their lives to caring for those touched by Alzheimer's.

Lawrence is the owner of Rancho Las Lomas, a magical, sought-after venue that boasts an exotic zoological garden, and plays host to hundreds of special events, fundraisers and weddings. Nestled in the foothills of Silverado Canyon, on 32 acres of land, the one-of-a-kind property will open its doors to hundreds of Orange County community leaders and AOC supporters to honor five exceptional caregivers. The celebration is the signature event of Visionary Women, an AOC advocacy group comprised of women, and a few equally dedicated men, to raise funds, increase awareness, and reduce the stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease.

"For more than a decade, our Visionary Women group has played a significant role in the battle against Alzheimer's and related dementias," said Jim McAleer, President and CEO of AOC. "Our annual luncheon allows supporters who have friends or family members suffering from this tragic disease an opportunity to join the Orange County fight against Alzheimer's. If you are a caregiver, have been touched by the disease, or are simply inspired to be a part of a dedicated group, join us at this remarkable event."

"When Alzheimer's took Rick's life 11 years ago, our family was robbed of a husband and a father," said Lawrence. "Opening up our home each year to Alzheimer's Orange County and its guests is the perfect way for our family to honor Rick -- he would have wanted us to share what we created at Rancho Las Lomas with new friends. We couldn't be more proud to host such a special celebration, especially one that pays tribute to caregivers."

Guests are encouraged to enjoy an artisan boutique featuring unique gifts and a silent auction, both beginning at 10 a.m. The gourmet lunch begins at 11 a.m. Attendees also will have an opportunity to tour the private estate and zoological garden, home to lush landscape and a host of exotic animals including zebras, llamas and a white Bengal tiger.

At the luncheon, AOC will recognize five extraordinary individuals who go the extra mile to care for those living with Alzheimer's. Honorees are selected across five categories - youth, family, professional, administrative, and medical/clinical - for their selflessness and dedication to improving the lives of others. Each will receive a caregiver award, to celebrate his/her unwavering care and compassion.

AOC's Visionary Women, a group comprised of more than 300 members, is spearheaded by a contingent of particularly passionate women, including Julia Argyros, Jacqueline Dupont-Carlson, Susan Johnson, Lauren Kear, Jeannie Lawrence, Kirsten Mangers, Sandra McDaniel, Diane Mondini, Beverly Newton-Redfern, Marla Robinson and Stacy Schlinger. The group's mission is to elevate awareness, and expand local support of AOC's no-cost programs through education, advocacy and fundraising. Visionary Women participate in a variety of social and learning opportunities including research conferences, advocacy opportunities, social events and more.

More than 84,000 individuals in Orange County today are living with Alzheimer's. The disease is the fourth-leading cause of death in Orange County, there is no cure, and Alzheimer's is greatly under diagnosed. In December 2015, Alzheimer's Orange County became an independent organization, following a split from the national Alzheimer's Association. Now self-governing, 100 percent of event proceeds will stay in Orange County to ensure no-cost programs and services are available for families affected by Alzheimer's, as well as to accelerate local research to find treatments and prevention.

Event sponsors include: Chatteron & Associates, First America Trust, San Clemente Villas by the Sea, Silverado and WCCT Global. Individual seats are available for $150 and VIP seats are $250. Sponsorship packages range from $2,500 to $25,000. For event information, contact Margie Wright at [email protected], call (949) 955-9000 or visit http://www.alzoc.org/.

About Alzheimer's Orange County

Alzheimer's Orange County provides programs and services, free of charge, to Orange County residents with Alzheimer's and related dementia disorders, their families, caregivers, and the community. Alzheimer's Orange County began as an independent 501c3 nonprofit in 1982, became a chapter of the national Alzheimer's Association in 1984, and in December 2015, became an independent nonprofit again with all fundraising going toward care, support and research in Orange County, Calif. Alzheimer's is a devastating neurodegenerative illness that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the Helpline at 1-844-373-4400, or visit http://www.alzoc.org Find Alzheimer's Orange County on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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