WESTFIELD-Bowls of chili – and ice cream – will be served up soon at the Westfield Senior Center as local police officers host a unique fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Westfield Police Department, in conjunction with the senior center staff, have planned a ‘Cops for a Cause’ chili luncheon on Sept. 19 from 12 – 1 p.m. Seating is limited and tickets at $5 per person will go on sale at the senior center on Aug. 29.
Westfield police officer Mark Carboneau, who also works in the Senior Safety Office at the Westfield Senior Center, will be making chili for a unique fundraiser Sept. 19. (Submitted photo)
“Each year, participants and staff at the Westfield Senior Center hold some type of fundraising event in order to support our local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Tina Gorman, executive director, Westfield Council on Aging.
In past years, Gorman noted fundraisers have included a walk on the Park Square Green, a Sip and Paint party, and forming a special team for Run Westfield.
“This year we’re shifting gears,” said Gorman. “With the opening of the Senior Safety Office last November, members of the Westfield Police Department have had more of a presence in the building. It just made sense to pool our resources in order to support a cause that is so worthwhile to all of us.”
Since this is the first time this particular event is being offered, Gorman expects it to be a “sellout.”
“If we have as much fun as we anticipate, we’ll make it an annual party,” she said.
The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with music provided by Marion Dunk and Chip Arnold of The Keepers.
The acoustic duo will provide a mix of standards, blues, country, Celtic, and soulful originals and are “generously donating their musical talents” for the cause, noted Gorman.
Gorman said the featured attraction – the chili – will be made by Senior Safety Officer Mark Carboneau using his “secret” recipe.
When Carboneau, a member of the community police unit, was recently asked about his chili concoction, he simply replied, “As far as my chili recipe, like a good reporter, never give up your source or recipe.”
After attendees finish their chili, ice cream sundaes will be served by members of the police force. A host of toppings will be available, ranging from syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, and nuts to a cherry on top.
A 50/50 drawing is also planned during the event.
Gorman said she hopes everyone who attends wears purple, the symbolic color of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“Alzheimer’s numbers are staggering,” said Gorman. “There are currently 5.8 million Americans living with the disease.”
Gorman added that between 2000 and 2017, deaths from heart disease have decreased 9% while deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased 145%.
“More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” said Gorman. “These caregivers provided an estimated 18.5 billion hours of care valued at nearly $234 billion.”
Gorman said the Westfield Council on Aging representatives regularly utilize the educational, respite, and advocacy resources offered through the local chapter.
“The Alzheimer’s Association supports both individuals with the disease as well as their families and caregivers,” said Gorman. “They help with providing valuable information about diagnosis, the progression of disease, communication and behavioral strategies for living or working with someone with Alzheimer’s, legal issues, and respite options.”
