Dear Friends,
A s the economic freefall of 2008 continues, we know that the long-term effects of this
recession will be with us — as a nation, state and city — for years to come.
The Chapter has been hit hard as reliable sources of funding have disappeared — in some
cases, overnight. Foundations confirm that we’re doing a great job, but admit they don’t have the
funds to help us right now. Similarly, as major corporations struggle, their philanthropic giving
— both individual and corporate – has crept to a halt. We are also feeling the sting as government
struggles with budget crises and deep cuts.
Sadly, unless there is a dramatic change in the marketplace, for the first time, we will not
expand services. Frankly, our overall goal — and I mean NOW, not in the mid-or long-term
— is simply to maintain the quality services we have. Even this outcome is devastating, as more
people are diagnosed with dementia every day, and demand for our services continues to grow.
We always knew that a crisis was coming — that the number of people with AD would
explode — but we anticipated being able to increase our resources over time. Instead, we are
suddenly at risk.
Like many organizations, we are scrambling to sustain ourselves, and in doing, we are striving
to sustain you. So, the question is: what are we prepared to do? And when I say we, I mean
everyone — including the many thousands of you who read this newsletter.
The Chapter has certainly benefited from your tremendous generosity during the good years.
And while lack of money is the primary pressing problem, even in hard times, if you cannot
donate, there is a role for you.
Become a volunteer. Call us to find out how you can provide assistance on a long or short-term
basis.
Make noise. Become an advocate. Go to our Web site and learn what we’re doing in public
policy. Find out how to make your voice count.
Come to our events. I’m very proud that our “Forget-Me-Not” Gala, honoring Yankee skipper
Joe Girardi, was a success that will help sustain us through the coming months. But this year,
we’re offering more events than ever that will unite our community and help show the world
that attention must be paid:
August 9th — Memory Walk 2009 with the Brooklyn Cyclones (NY Mets Class A team)
September 3rd — Alzheimer’s Awareness Day with the Staten Island Yankees
October 1st — Annual Chapter Meeting at Rockefeller University
October 25th — Memory Walk 2009 at beautiful Riverside Park
November 1st — NYC Marathon — Junior Committee Team
In my determined effort to be optimistic, I am totally confident that together we will create a
new dynamic — a new energy that will sustain us through this difficult period. I know we and
the community can emerge stronger than ever.
— Lou-Ellen Barkan
President & CEO
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