Health: Alzheimer’s Association Purple Gala
Paula Rutledge is easy to pick out of any crowd. It’s the hat that gives her away.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA RESOURCE CENTER)
She is a member of the board of directors of the Central and North Florida Alzheimer’s Association and chairman of its inaugural Purple Gala, to be held April 15 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando.
Like so many who have declared war on this brain-wasting disease, there is a personal connection for Rutledge. She speaks of her mother’s life before she was robbed of her memories—a woman who was a pioneer in a man’s profession and an energetic entrepreneur. Seeing the light go out of those bright eyes was devastating.
Her mother loved to wear hats and Rutledge honors her memory by wearing hats to public events.
Purple Gala attendees are in for an entertaining evening. Auction items range from luxury touches to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including a $60,000 VIP package for the 2024 Daytona 500 with all access, driver breakfast, broadcast booth, personal tour.
“The evening will include stories from those impacted by this disease, live and silent auctions, dinner, dancing and entertainment by Michael Andrew and Swingerhead,” says Matt Eaton, vice president of communications for the Florida arm of the Alzheimer’s Association, whose local office is in Longwood.
For more information about the association and the Purple Gala, go to purplegala.org
