Alzheimer’s touches many

PUHI — Hatsuko Kawaguchi was happy she went to visit the Regency at Puakea Wednesday.

“Today is Bonnie Matsumura’s birthday and I brought her some things,” Kawaguchi said. “Then, I discovered they were having a silent auction and rummage sale. I found this teddy bear for my friend. And, it’s the right color.”

Kawaguchi was one of the stream of customers who took advantage of the lunch hour to browse through the silent auction and the rummage sale that benefited the Alzheimer’s Association.

“This is our second year hosting the silent auction and rummage sale,” said Sharon Lasker, marketing director for the Regency at Puakea. “Last year, we had a car wash to go along with the auction and sale, but this year, we are just concentrating on the rummage sale and auction.”

Silent auction items overflowed the retirement and assisted living facility lobby into the hallway leading to the dining room and the lounge and exercise area. Rummage transformed the activity room into a shopping area with many different items contributed from the residents and the community.

“I found something for one granddaughter,” said Linda Ono, browsing through the jewelry section. “Now, I need to find something for the other granddaughter.”

Traditionally, the funds raised are turned over during the Walk to End Alzheimer’s which is scheduled Aug. 27 at Kapaa Beach Park.

However, the Regency at Puakea will not be participating in this walk, Lasker said.

“Some of our residents feel strongly about the walk,” she said. “However, the multi-use path is too dangerous for our residents. Instead, we will have our own walk on Aug. 20.”

Previously, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s was held at the Kukui Grove Center.

“Alzheimer’s is a very important cause for us at the Regency,” Lasker said. “A number of our residents battle it every day. A lot of the people who provided items for our silent auction have family members who are affected by Alzheimer’s.”