Attivo Trail eagerly awaited Valentine’s Day this year thanks to a new candy gram fundraiser. Before the love-filled holiday, residents ordered chocolate roses for delivery or pickup, with all proceeds going directly to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA). Eva, Attivo Trail’s resident ‘candy lady’, teamed up with Attivo staff by crafting each of the caramel-filled chocolate roses by hand.
This fundraiser was a brand-new initiative this year, and we hoped residents would appreciate and support it. They certainly did! With nearly 200 roses sold and over $500 raised, we are thrilled to contribute to the APDA and make a meaningful impact in just our first year.
Parkinson’s Disease affects nearly one million people in the United States, with approximately 90,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. For many of our residents, this cause holds deep personal significance, as several either have Parkinson’s disease themselves or know someone affected by it.
The APDA works to provide resources, support, and research funding to improve the lives of those impacted. Two representatives from the Association visited to discuss their mission and how Parkinson’s disease affects individuals in Iowa. Residents who attended the session asked insightful questions and left with a deeper understanding of the disease.
-1739991088.png)
This candy gram fundraiser has also sparked conversation among residents, giving them an opportunity to share how the disease has touched their lives. It has also shown how easy it is to contribute to meaningful causes that affect residents in our own community.
A special thank you to Margaret, our Active Program Director, for organizing such a successful fundraiser! The residents of Attivo Trail take great pride in their ability to give back to their community, and their generosity is making a positive difference.