SOCIAL LIGHTS: Alzheimer's Association's Chocolate Jubilee
December 28, 2009
Sally Gerak
The Paper

What a history! The first Chocolate Jubilee was staged 25 years ago in Doreen Hermelin's Bingham Farms home and raised $20,000. The 2009 event at the Ritz-Carlton attracted more than 700 for lunch, plus another 60 just for the tasting. It raised $865,000-plus, bringing the 25-year event total to more than $13 million.

During the Silver Spectacular luncheon program Gary and Becky Sakwa, who were honored for their unparalleled generosity to the Alzheimer's Association mission, expressed their awe for the caregivers and researchers. Event sponsor Charity Motors' board chair Norman Yatooma had his two, winsome daughters Olivia and Gabriella thank the audience for their support while he held little Sophia. Author Mary Ellen Geist, who took a hiatus from a thriving career in broadcast journalism to help her mother care for her dad, described how his love of singing was a great bonding experience for them. National AA president Harry Johns noted that the number of people affected by Alzheimer's is staggering as are the costs. He added that more drugs than ever are in the research pipeline aiming, he concluded, "…for a world without Alzheimer's." After the luncheon program, everybody sampled chocolate brought by vendors, including, Just Baked and Bizzy Lizzy, who had been judged by some celebrities to have the best display.