In an epic conclusion to Cirque du Illimunate: the 2024 Moments Matter Masquerade, Oakwood Creative Care (OCC) is thrilled to announce that a total of $115,000 was raised in support of older adults living with dementia and other age-related challenges!
Cirque du Illimunate, held on Friday, October 25, at Events at Fabric, boasted a magical blend of whimsicality, splendor, and a dash of masquerade flair, perfectly highlighting the evening’s saying, “Behind every mask is a light that shines.” The evening’s featured performances – which included dueling pianos, dazzling live auctions, and special dance performances – centered on the older adults and caregivers whom OCC serves and the prospect of inviting joy into every moment of aging.
Oakwood Creative Care Redefines the Narrative of Aging by Adding Joy to Every Page
“Too often, joy is seen as a luxury reserved for the young. As we age, joy can seem like a distant memory overshadowed by health challenges and limited resources,” said Sherri Friend, CEO and President of OCC. “At OCC, our mission is to revitalize joy for adults and families facing life’s toughest health challenges, and our annual Moments Matter gala is an opportunity to engage our community into uncovering the true essence of joy right alongside us.”
During Cirque du Illuminate, OCC was honored to share the intimate and real-life story of Janet and Al, a married couple whose life was turned upside down after Janet was diagnosed with dementia. Using their own words, Janet and Al shared with the evening’s guests what it looks and feels like to love and care for a person with memory challenges and how OCC has reignited their sense of hope.
“I just want to say, there are some rough times. It’s not smooth sailing all of the time. But, you get through it and you make the best of it,” said Al. “The COPE program was very helpful with that, and the occupational therapy part of it [gave] her activities to do where she feels in control. We started coming to The Dementia Hub, and that gives her a chance to interact with events and things that are happening, like the Moments Matter choir. Having people here that are knowledgeable in this disease, you know that you’re not alone in this, and it has definitely been a lifeline for us.”
SouthWestern Power Group’s Role in Illuminating Hope
Southwestern Power Group (SWPG), a leader in evolving energy markets, was a proud sponsor of the 2024 Moments Matter Masquerade. Their generous contributions to supporting OCC have already created a lasting impact on the community, ensuring the expansion and enhancement of vital programs and services for those affected by cognitive decline.
“Partnerships like this with SWPG enable us to continue our work and reach even more people in need,” said Friend. “Through our engaging Adult Day Club programs, family events, valuable resources, and the ongoing support of SWPG, OCC looks forward to helping more older adults within the community, as well as their care partners and families, navigate oncoming obstacles and rediscover the many ways joy still exists in their lives.”
Oakwood’s Favorite Moments Captured at Cirque du Illuminate:
Did You Know?
Oakwood Creative Care is bringing back the JOY in aging! We believe a diagnosis should not have to define your life. Instead, we have devoted our mission to reigniting hope for caregivers and older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age-related challenges. Click the button below to learn more about how we do this through our research-based, cutting-edge, creative care model found at each of our Day Clubs.
