If you read the News from the Neighborhood piece in this edition, you’ll see just how many neighbors and organizations are standing behind ADAKC and their mission—providing day services for those living with dementia and related conditions, while also offering critical support to the family members who care for them. We’re proud to stand with them too, whenever and however we can. 

 

After wrapping up the Garden Party at Ivy Park this past June (see Vintage Vibes in this issue), I took a short walk across the lot to ADAKC’s annual The Heart Never Forgets Senior Prom. Think high school prom—only with more comfortable shoes and a lot more meaning. This event brings together seniors from ADAKC along with several other care communities, their families, and ADAKC staff and supporters for a night that celebrates connection, joy, love, and yes, dancing. 

 

The prom had all the essentials: charcuterie cups, a burger & hot dog buffet from Hodel’s, a dessert and Coke floats bar, music that spanned the decades, countless photo ops by our friends at Lettratto, and plenty of happy feet on the dance floor. And, of course, there’s the crowning of the evening’s Prince, Princess, King, and Queen. 

 

But it’s what happens after the crowns go on that really stays with you. Each honoree shares a dance with a family member, and in those moments, the room quiets a bit—at least in spirit.  

This year, I watched through watering eyes as the Prom King danced with his wife while she softly sang each and every word from You Light Up My Life to him, holding his gaze with the kind of love that comes from years of shared memories, even as some of those memories fade. The same moment played out for the Prince and his family—his wife, their kids, surrounding him with steady, radiant love. 

 

It’s evenings like this—shared with partners like ADAKC—that remind us of what a privilege it is to be part of this community. They’re doing truly important work, and we’re honored to help shine a light on it.