Page 63 - Abilene Living

“It’s huge because we are non-proft and we do not get any state or federal funding,” she said. “All of our funding comes from fundraisers like this one or from donations. The money we raised will be used in our fourteen county service area to provide programs and services for Alzheimer’s families, and a portion is earmarked for donations to help fund research into fnding a cure.” Locally, money from Steppin’ Out for Memories pays for information and referrals, a 24/7 toll-free help line, educational programs, support groups, and an advocacy program for families of disease victims.

Connally recalls the meeting with McDonald, whom she calls the Head Chick, when the idea was presented. “She’s the one who came to me fve years ago and said, ‘Let’s do this. Let’s

have a dinner and dance. I know a band and I think we can put this together,’” Connally said. “She and I threw it together, not knowing what we were getting ourselves into and it was a great success. And it’s grown every year.” McDonald’s memory of the frst event echoes Connally’s.

“We had a band in mind we wanted to bring in,” said McDonald, also recalling the frst organizational meeting. “The band actually had another person, a girl who had started college with us in ’66. That was the frst year. We just kind of did it on a whim and on a shoestring the frst year. But we’ve had tremendous support and the growth we have seen shows that.” Indeed it has grown each year. For instance, this year’s ticket sales goal was 200. With still fve days to go before the event, more than 260 had been sold. In

addition, more than $24,000 of the hoped for $30,000 had been raised a week prior. “Her group has been so supportive, not only with volunteering but fnancially as well,” Connally said of McDonald and the Chicks of ‘66. “It’s amazing these ladies have decided after being friends for many years, it’s time to give back and they’ve chosen the Alzheimer’s Association as the charity they want to work for. It’s very gratifying.”

Up for bids in this year’s live and silent auctions were a guitar autographed by Willie Nelson and a hunting trip to Montana. The 2011 version of the auctions also included unique art created especially for the event. A program called Memories in the Making pairs paintings by Alzheimer’s patients living in area care centers, with works created by Big Country artists.