Silent auction helps raise funds for yearly walk to end Alzheimer's

Staff, family members and some members of the public last week snapped up 45 paintings created by residents in Fort Scott Manor's Memories in the Making program.

Works were put up for bid as part of a silent auction. Proceeds go toward the Southeast Kansas Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's, an annual event open to the region and takes place in Pittsburg in May.

Funds help provide respite for caregivers and education and support for people dealing with Alzheimer's, For Scott Manor Administrator Lynette Emmerson has said.

Memories in the Making is a weekly watercolor art program sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association and offered to individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia and other types of memory loss.

Fort Scott Manor Activity Director Rhonda Hawpe said the facility had a showing of artwork last year, but this was the first silent auction.

More than $500 was raised and Hawpe said they were hoping to make at least $400.

"I thought we did really (well)," Hawpe said. "We were pleased."

She added Fort Scott Manor may have another auction this summer.

She said Rita Headley in social services worked with her side by side getting the paintings prepared for the event.

"We plan to do it again. We may try again in the summer," Hawpe said.