GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — At the Drive to End Alzheimer’s, all sorts of classic cars were seen making their way around greater Green Bay.
“People suffering from Dementia, Alzheimer's, etcetera, have an opportunity to come out with their caregivers and see these wonderful classics drive by and wave,” said Darrel Burnett, the Automobile Gallery Executive Director.
There were 40 cars that drove through about 35 memory centers and care facilities in the area, all to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.
The event was hosted by the Green Bay Automobile Gallery; not just because of its display of classic cars.
“We are an Alzheimer's friendly facility, so we had to go through some training, and we routinely invite groups who are suffering from Alzheimer's to enjoy the automobiles here at the gallery,” said Burnett.
The organizers said that after each year’s drive, they are told of the wonderful impact on both the Alzheimer’s patients and the caregivers' day.
“They may not be able to remember everything in the moment but many of them light up when they see cars that they may have had or ridden in over time,” said Burnett.
The idea for the cruise was born three years ago during COVID-19. For most, COVID-19 no longer affects day-to-day life. However, that is not the case for seniors.
“Seniors are still facing that every day. There are still partial and full lockdowns because of COVID. So, while life for you and I might be pretty much back to normal, unfortunately, it’s not for them,” said Cari Josephson, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Director.
After an hour of cruising through greater Green Bay, participants came back to the Automobile Gallery for a celebration.
The Drive to End Alzheimer's is a fundraiser in conjugation to the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Every weekend in September, the Alzheimer's Association will put on a walk to raise money for the Wisconsin chapter. There will be 27 walks all across the state, including one in Green Bay on September 24.
