Walk Q & A: Jenny McDaniel
In 2017, Anderson, Ind., resident Jenny McDaniel lost her mother to Alzheimer’s. Because of her personal connection to the disease, Jenny has used her experiences and influence to spread awareness of Alzheimer’s and support available as a volunteer member of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Anderson committee. The Anderson Walk will take place on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino.
We asked Jenny some questions about her involvement and passion to end Alzheimer’s.
1. Why did you get involved with the Alzheimer's Association and/or Walk to End Alzheimer's?
My mother moved into an assisted living facility in Anderson in May 2015 that dealt with patients with Alzheimer's. They were just getting ready to have their annual bake sale and the money went to their team that would be walking in September for the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Anderson. So, I joined the team and started baking.
2. What is your Walk to End Alzheimer's team name? Why?
Patsy's Pride is the team name. My mother's name was Patsy and we are like a pride of lions coming together to try to beat Alzheimer's.
3. How do you plan to fundraise for the Walk?
This year I brought a couple of homemade King Cakes to the office in February when the kick-off started and just set a jar beside for donations. ($63)
Our team sold "Thirty One" caddies in March before Easter so if anyone wanted to use them for Easter baskets. We sold them for $20 each and got $9 per bag. ($315)
Our team participated in a bowling fund raiser at the local bowling alley. Each person paid $20 to bowl for 3 hours (shoe rental included). We had door prize drawings for a couple of items ($1 each or 6 for $5) at the bowling event. We also had a 2-day garage sale ($250)
($688 overall, $488 to our team)
4. What is your best fundraising advice?
Try different things. Be creative. Different things will work better in different areas.
A couple of years ago we went to Buffalo Wild Wings and a percentage of the ticket went to Alzheimer's and we raised a little under $200 on one Friday night. We also did a grilling event (hamburger/drink) with a local grocery store: a 3-day event Friday to Sunday and made a little over $700.
5. Do you have a personal connection to Alzheimer's?
6. If you have a personal connection to Alzheimer's, what is one of your most treasured memories with your loved one/honoree?
That is hard to say. There are so many. I guess just in general her willingness to jump in help in anything and her stubbornness not to give up until the task was completed.
To donate to team Patsy’s Pride, click here. Visit alz.org/walk to register for a Walk to End Alzheimer’s near you!
