Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — Afghans, Hummel collectable figurines, homemade earrings and other crafty, gift items laid sprawled out on tables, showcasing more than their quality.

The cause and fight to end Alzheimer’s disease is a continuing uphill battle, but with many small individual efforts, people can make a difference.

To kick off the Alzheimer’s Association 2020 fundraising season, the Mill Creek Senior Living Community hosted its second annual craft show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, with several different tables filled with homemade items made by the residents and staff of Mill Creek along with donations from local craftsmen and businesses.

On display, homemade jewelry from earrings, bracelets to necklaces decorate the second annual craft show on Tuesday at the Mill Creek Senior Living Community. All the proceeds from the event go to benefit the Alzheimer's Association for research in the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. (Journal photo by Jackie Jahfetson)

Within the first hour, the group raised $70, Activity Director Beth O’Connor of Mill Creek Senior Living Community said. All of the proceeds go to benefit research for the Alzheimer’s Association, and this event is just one of many individual efforts that take place before the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s hosted nationwide throughout the month of September. With the Marquette Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 19, the Alzheimer’s Association — Greater Michigan Chapter, Upper Peninsula Office of Marquette hopes to raise $7,000 for the fiscal year, O’Connor said.

“We just want to make a difference as a community,” O’Connor said.

Over 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association website.

“The cause is very near and dear to our hearts because we see the effects of Alzheimer’s and other dementias on a daily basis,” O’Connor said. “We like to do these things in-house you know, because the residents can get involved. They love to participate They love to see the effects. They get just as excited as we do.”

The craft show was prompted by staff and Mill Creek residents who enjoy crafting and giving back to the community, O’Connor said. Mill Creek currently houses 78 residents who are roughly around 90 years old, but despite their age, they are the “go get ’em” generation, she added.

Crocheted afghans, donated from the community, create a colorful showcase of items at the second annual craft show, hosted by the Mill Creek Senior Living Community. The craft show marks the start of the fundraising season for the Alzheimer's Association. Up until the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's in September, the Mill Creek Senior Living Community arranges several events to benefit the cause such as bake sales, baby photo contest, summer musical charity show and pie sales. (Journal photo by Jackie Jahfetson)

For more information on upcoming events and how to get involved, visit the Mill Creek Senior Living Community Facebook page.

Jackie Jahfetson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. Her email address is jjahfetson@miningjournal.net.