MARQUETTE –The Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter announces its 36th annual Chocolate Jubilee on Saturday, Oct. 24, to support Alzheimer’s and dementia care, support and research.

Though this year’s event looks a little different, it offers participants the opportunity to purchase and send sweet treats to loved ones, enter to win a one-week stay for four at a beautiful condo in Siesta Key, Fla., and honor a loved one through the event’s Sweet Memories video segment.

The Chocolate Jubilee 2020 presentation will take place virtually at CJ2020.givesmart.com after noon on Oct. 24 — and participants can take part in the event now through that date, with the option to send a sweet through the end of November, which is National Caregivers Month.

“COVID-19 has changed the format of this event this year but hasn’t changed the need for it,” said Maureen O’Reilly, Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter donor engagement manager in a news release. “In fact, over the past several months more caregivers have reached out to the Association for help. Events like this help fund critical programs and services as well as offer an opportunity to recognize persons with dementia and their caregivers.”

Chocolate Jubilee 2020 also includes “Sweet Chances,” offering prizes such as restaurant gift cards, local boutique merchandise, jewelry, art and more valued at $50-$3,000.

“This year’s event really provides a unique opportunity for individuals and families all across Michigan and the U.S., to take part, honor loved ones, support this great cause, and enjoy some sweet treats and prizes,” said O’Reilly. “I’m looking forward to sending some toffee and chocolate ganache to caregivers, my friends and family — and maybe even to my home address!”

Savorfull founders Phyllis Canvasser and Stacy Goldberg have a professional and personal connection to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Savorfull, which specializes in healthy, allergy and dietary lifestyle-friendly sweet treats, will participate in the event as one of its “Send a Sweet” vendors.

“Alzheimer’s Disease has affected our family greatly as our beautiful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Ileene Levin, lived with this devastating disease for many years,” said Goldberg, who is a nationally recognized nutrition consultant and industry leader in free-from healthy snacks. “We watched how debilitating this was for her as well as her loving and devoted husband and caregivers that ultimately became like family through their loving support.”

She added, “Our family relied heavily upon the Alzheimer’s Association as an incredible resource and support system when my grandmother was diagnosed and we are so grateful to have their strong presence in our Metro Detroit community. We are thrilled to partner with the organization to support this year’s Chocolate Jubilee.”

Last year’s event was held at MGM Detroit and raised more than $1.2M for Alzheimer’s support, care and research. Tony Hawk, professional skateboarder, entrepreneur and philanthropist, served as the keynote speaker, sharing his personal Alzheimer’s story about his mom, Nancy Elizabeth Hawk.

Visit the event website at CJ2020.givesmart.com to participate, learn more and to listen to Hawk’s 2019 remarks.