Members of the Plano Symphony Performed Live!
Maria Vallejo, Plano Symphony, spoke on Healing Notes
Celebrating 35 years! AWARE held its November education meeting and luncheon at Touchmark at Emerald Lake and featured Maria Vallejo from the Plano Symphony speaking on Healing Notes, the benefits of music therapy and a live performance by members of Simon Sez Brass, who often perform with the Plano Symphony and other groups around North Texas.
AWARE is a nonprofit organization that empowers North Texans to rise above the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, together.
Karen Koop, president, welcomed the crowd and encouraged everyone to join the group as a Friend of AWARE or give membership as a holiday gift. She announced the AWARE Affair 2025 gala will happen on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Gilley’s in downtown Dallas. Chaired by David McDavid Jr., the event will honor Venise Stuart with the Founder’s Spirit Award and Karisti Julia with the Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award. It will be a boot scootin’ event again this year with a live and silent auction, buffet seated dinner and dancing to the tunes of the fabulous Breckenridge Band. Karisti is also chair of today’s event at Touchmark.
Wesley Helms, executive director of Touchmark at Emerald Lake, spoke about the new happenings at the venue, additional facilities are in the works, and all of the available amenities and activities in the Touchmark community.
Erin Dougherty from the Center for Vital Longevity, gave updates followed by Audette Rackley from the Center for Brain Health, who gave everyone a copy of their new booklet, a Guide to Proactive Steps, a resource for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias, funded by a grant from AWARE.
After the invocation by Mari Epperson, Karisti reminded everyone that there will be a Holiday Party in December and the next Friends meeting will be in March 2025 at the Center for Brain Health.
She introduced Maria Vallejo from the Plano Symphony who spoke about “Healing Notes” and the powerful impact of music therapy and live musical performances for those in senior living communities. She said they take part in the rhythm part of the performances with interactive concerts. One of their partners is Simon Sez Brass, who perform outreach concerts, and featured a very entertaining mini-concert of musical numbers from a trove of favorites from the past.
It was a wonderful luncheon as everyone sang, clapped their hands and participated in the musical show while enjoying a sumptuous luncheon.
To know more about AWARE, the upcoming Spring 2025 gala, join the Friends group, visit the website at www.awaredallas.org
AWARE Affair Boots, Buckles and Brain Health presented by Anne Davidson, happens on Friday night, April 4, 2025 at Gilley's Dallas. AWARE returns to Gilley’s for a boots, buckles and brain health evening with supporters coming together for a night fighting Alzheimer’s and supporting care partners. Guests will enjoy a delicious seated buffet dinner, dancing to The Breckenridge Band, lots of fun brain health activities, silent and live auction, and a meaningful evening with friends and family while raising money for AWARE.
David McDavid Jr., is chair. Karen Koop is president, AWARE.
Underwriting and Sponsorships: Underwriting tickets begin at $1,200 for two tickets and other benefits. Underwriting levels go up to $25,000. Exclusive Naming opportunities start at $5,000 up to $25,000. The $50,000 Trailblazer Presenting Sponsor is sold.
AWARE Affair 2025 Website Link: https://www.awaredallas.org/aware-affair/
More gala details coming soon!
About AWARE:
AWARE is a nonprofit organization that empowers North Texans to rise above the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, together. Since AWARE’s founding in 1989 by a group of volunteers, the Dallas-based organization has invested more than $14 million in local providers, researchers and innovators fighting for our loved ones and a cure. Every dollar that AWARE grants stays in North Texas to benefit the local community.
AWARE also invites North Texans to join Friends of AWARE —a community of individuals, caregivers and professionals with a vested interest in supporting the best care in our region today and hope for a cure tomorrow. Individuals navigating the challenges of these diseases—including patients, caregivers and professionals—connect, learn and advocate for solutions in North Texas.
The community can support AWARE’s mission by joining Friends of AWARE, attending its annual signature fundraiser, AWARE Affair, or donating. Join Friends of AWARE at www.awaredallas.org.
AWARE is a component fund of The Dallas Foundation, a 501c3 publicly supported charity.
Together with compassion and dedication we can make a difference. Join AWARE now and join the fight. www.AWAREDallas.org Instagram: @awaredallas
Facebook: @awaredallas
Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio