The Gardens Memory Care Team Honored as Top Fundraisers for Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Day in and day out, the dedication and compassion of The Gardens Memory Care team at Adventist Health and Rideout is on full display. Each member of the team works tirelessly every day to provide quality care to individuals living with dementia, walking alongside patients and their families as their advocates and caretakers, offering strength and understanding during life’s most difficult moments.

The Gardens team’s dedication stretches far beyond the walls of their facility, and the Alzheimer’s Association recently made a surprise visit to recognize their efforts. With Adventist Health and Rideout president Chris Champlin and Walk to End Alzheimer’s Manager Elicia Stewart in attendance, the Alzheimer’s Association presented The Gardens with an award for being the top fundraising team in the 2024 event after raising an impressive $11,700 toward the fight against the disease.

Pam Launius, Activities Director at The Gardens, also received the One for the Community certificate, an award acknowledging her outstanding achievements in advancing the cause.

“It’s really overwhelming,” Launius said, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of her entire team. “It really was a group effort with everybody.”

A Community United in Purpose

The Gardens’ success is a testament to the passion and dedication of its staff, who went above and beyond to raise funds and awareness. Brandy Strahl, Director of Assisted Living, spoke about the deep sense of pride the team feels in their work.

“There’s a huge sense of pride as a community, as a company, as individuals,” Strahl said. “It fits right in with our mission. The pride and the love are what I really feel to be a part of this team.”

For The Gardens, this effort is about more than just fundraising—it’s about their residents and the countless families affected by Alzheimer’s.

“Everything is for our residents. They make it all worthwhile,” Launius said. “It’s for them, and for anyone in the future who might be in their position.”

Looking Ahead: A Bigger Goal for 2025

Despite their incredible achievement, The Gardens team isn’t slowing down. They’ve set an even higher fundraising goal of $12,000 for 2025 and have already kicked off their efforts with a Valentine’s Raffle set for February 13, featuring a variety of gifts from local businesses. All proceeds will go directly to the Alzheimer’s Association.

For those looking to support their efforts, Valentine’s Raffle tickets are now available for $5 each or 5 for $20, with all proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. To purchase a ticket, please contact Pam at 530-790-3075.

Reflecting on last year’s efforts, Jamie Scott, Manager of Assisted Living, believes the team’s momentum will carry them even further this year.

“It never slowed down,” Scott said. “We didn’t start fundraising until May last year. If we can accomplish that in a little over half a year, the sky’s the limit this year.”

The team’s success is due in large part to their frontline staff, Strahl said, who took the initiative to get the entire community involved—from local businesses to friends, family, and anyone else who might be interested in supporting the cause.

A Reflection of Adventist Health and Rideout’s Mission

In congratulating The Gardens on their achievement, Champlin commended the team for their dedication and the profound impact of their efforts.

“The fact that this group came together for such an important cause is truly incredible,” Champlin said. “They are tremendous ambassadors for Adventist Health and Rideout, embodying each of the values that are core to our hospital.”

Beyond raising funds, Champlin highlighted the broader impact of the team’s work.

“This team’s efforts not only provide hope to families impacted by Alzheimer’s but also create a meaningful ripple effect in our community, reminding us of the power of compassion and unity.”