Alliance gets new partner

Fundraiser takes edgy approach in Alzheimer’s fight

The Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State area announced a new fundraiser Thursday at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.

Doris K. James presents Over the Edge, scheduled for Sept. 15, will allow participants to rappel 60 feet over the side of the University Center Building at TAMU-T. To secure a rappelling spot individuals must raise a minimum of $1,000.

The Alzheimer’s Alliance is partnering with Over the Edge Global for this event. Over the Edge has raised $72 million with non-profit partners.

“I had never heard of Over the Edge but they’ve been around for about eight years,” said Terrie Arnold, Alzheimer’s Alliance executive director. “They recently decided to branch out into smaller communities. They had been in larger metropolitan areas. Texarkana was one of the areas they were interested in. I researched and went to a couple of events and thought it was amazing. … We were trying to find something new and unique and it just fit right into that.”

The event is replacing the Doris K. James Memorial Golf Tournament which had been going on for 29 years.

“This meets some of the new generations interest. rappelling can appeal to people of all ages. The first person we had sign up is one of our board members that is a female and 84-years old,” said Arnold, who plans to participate herself. “I’m going to have to get over my fear of heights and go

over the edge in support of anyone battling Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. … My deal is we want to empower people to help others that are battling this disease and by empowering them I have to get empowered.”

To register visit alztristate.org. There is an $85 fee to register.

Participants will receive information about tools that can help them fundraise.

Proceeds will benefit the programs of the Alzheimer’s Alliance and the Our Place Day Respite Center.

Alzheimer’s Alliance provides resources, education and services to those affected with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The respite center give caregivers of people Alzheimer’s the opportunity for a much needed break.

For more information about the event or services available at the Alzheimer’s Alliance call 903-2238021 or email terrie@alztristate.org.