According to a 2007 University of California study, Alzheimer’s disease is predicted to affect 1 in 85 people globally by 2050. Which makes what Denise Silverberg did in creating the Friendship Circle Luncheon (FCL) a decade ago so important. An organization that got its start when Silverberg was trying to find an outlet for her mother, who had Alzheimer’s, the FCL has since raised money for hundreds of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, MS or the aftermath of a stroke. Just as importantly, the FCL recognizes the dedication and efforts put forth by caregivers, who are often overlooked in the process of addressing Alzheimer’s disease. At the tenth annual Friendship Circle Luncheon that was recently held at the Garden City Hotel, Silverberg and more than 500 women raised money for the cause at an event hosted by Good Day New York’s Rosanna Scotto and featuring a musical performance by singer/actress Megan Hilty. With additional funds raised via a silent auction and a raffle featuring products donated by the business community, the FCL is also helping to sustain one of the few programs in the country that helps out patients afflicted by early-onset Alzheimer’s and is being run at the Sid Jacobson JCC. With all the great work that the FCL does, it’s no wonder that the yellow rose, which signifies joy, happiness and new beginnings, is the symbol for this wonderful organization.
– Dave Gil de Rubio
