In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Month, Town Square Perry Hall – an adult enrichment center for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia – has launched The Purple Promise Project to support their clients and their families.
The project is a month-long community fundraising campaign and awareness initiative. It invites people to write a personal promise on a strip of purple paper representing a meaningful commitment to those impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia. The notes could say things like, “I promise to visit my grandmother more,” “I promise to learn the warning signs of Alzheimer’s,” “I promise to reduce the stigma around dementia,” or whatever kind of promise of support the writer wishes.
Each promise will become a link added to a chain that will be unveiled at Town Square Perry Hall’s Health and Wellness Fair on Sept. 26. The goal is to collect 2,026 links, which would make the final Purple Promise Project chain around 750 feet long. That would be one of the largest Alzheimer’s awareness installations in the region.
“Alzheimer’s and dementia touch so many lives, but no family should ever feel like they are facing this journey alone,” said Keyonna Jordan, director of operations and programming at Town Square Perry Hall. “Each link in this chain represents an act of kindness and understanding, showing our members and caregivers that they have the support of our community.”
The campaign is asking participants to donate $2 for each promise they add to the chain. Town Square Perry Hall will donate funds raised by The Purple Promise Project to nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association Maryland Chapter, which provides support services, care options and education for families and caregivers in Baltimore City, surrounding counties, Western Maryland, and the Eastern Shore.
More than 127,000 people in Maryland live with Alzheimer’s. There are 258,000 caregivers dedicating 292 million hours of their lives unpaid to care for them. That unpaid care is valued at $7 billion. The Alzheimer’s Association Maryland Chapter has information about support groups, education, resources, volunteer opportunities, connections to advocates for those who need it, and more on its website.
“Awareness generated through efforts such as The Purple Promise Project are essential to people impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” said Ellen Torres, vice president of development for the Alzheimer’s Association Maryland Chapter. “The promise chain, in particular, mirrors what it takes to support someone living with Alzheimer’s. It’s rarely one grand gesture, but many small acts of care that make a difference.”
“What’s more, every dollar raised through this project helps the Alzheimer’s Association provide free care — such as the 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), support groups and education programs,” Torres said. “We are so thankful for partners like Town Square Perry Hall that bring our mission into their communities.”
Town Square Perry Hall is an adult enrichment center, offering activities, exercise, socialization, and care for seniors with memory issues and adults with cognitive impairments. Members kicked off The Purple Promise Project on August 20 with a group activity where they created the first links in the chain. During their Health & Wellness Fair on Sept. 26, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can add links to the chain until the end of the event.
During the final ceremony of the fair, a representative will announce the total promise count, final chain length, and funds raised for the Alzheimer’s Association. After the fair, the chain will remain on display at Town Square Perry Hall.
To participate in or contribute to The Purple Promise Project in person, visit Town Square Perry Hall from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 9708 Belair Road, Perry Hall. You can also donate online or contact the center at TSPHallcontact@townsquare.net.
