Help fight Alzheimer’s at benefit by Mary’s Angels

Mary’s Angels hope to blast past the $100,000 mark with this year’s benefit honoring a loved one who died from Alzheimer’s disease.
The eighth annual Mary’s Angels Alzheimer’s benefit will take place on Saturday, Aug. 5 at Uncle Mony’s in Hayfield. As in past years, the benefit will feature a silent auction, bake sale and meal.
Over the past seven years, Mary’s Angels has raised $89,363, including almost $17,000 last year. The group hopes to raise $17,500 this year, which would push their lifetime total past $100,000. All the money raised is donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Mary’s Angels is made up of 40 family members who raise money for Alzheimer’s research. They formed their group after the death of Mary Behne, who died from complications of Alzheimer’s in 2012.
Barry and Karen Thompson of Owatonna coordinate the benefit on behalf of Mary’s Angels. Mary Behne was Karen Thompson’s mother.
The Thompsons are looking for donations for the silent auction. “Nothing is too small. Anything that you can do will be greatly appreciated,” said Barry Thompson. “All donors will be recognized during our event,” he added.
Anyone interested in making donations can contact the Thompsons at 507-363-0308.
“This disease is close to us,” said Thompson. “She meant the world to us. It’s tough watching a loved one going through this. This is why we started having a benefit.”
Thompson added his family wants to help others and they’re hoping a cure can be found so other families don’t have to go through the struggles of battling Alzheimer’s.
It is estimated that as many as 6.5 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s disease. Although the disease is not a normal part of aging, the risk of developing the illness rises with advanced age. Current research shows that the prevalence of Alzheimer’s doubles every five years beyond age 65.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to accelerating the progress in preventing, cure and living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Mary’s Angels Benefit
Who: Mary Behne’s family members
What: Benefit for Alzheimer’s research
Where: Uncle Mony’s- Hayfield
When: Saturday, Aug. 5- 4 to 6 p.m.
More details: Call Barry Thompson at 507-363-0308