TOPSHAM

Starting with the pet parade that pawed its way down Governor’s Way on Friday morning and ending with a pie toss in the afternoon, the day of events at The Highlands raised money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.

The fundraising event is known as The Longest Day, one of the largest fundraiser held by the Alzheimer’s Association outside of the Memory Walk. The Longest Day is a team event, held annually on the summer solstice — sunrise-to-sunset — symbolizing the challenging journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers. Teams are encouraged to create their own experience as they fundraise and participate in an activity they love to honor someone facing the disease.

Friday was the second year the event was held at The Highlands retirement community to honor those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease as well as to celebrate their journey.

Other events included games, demonstrations, karaoke, morning yoga stretching, hiking and the very popular “silly” photo booth. The day ended with a performance by “North of Nashville,” a country music act and winner of the 2015 “Country Act of the Year” award; and Highlands’ director of maintenance Tracy Stone taking several whipped cream pies to the face (and head) to raise additional funds.

There were many fun, silly and healthy events for residents to partake in, “but this day is so much more than that,” a release from The Highlands stated. “It’s an opportunity to come together to honor, and just celebrate the moment with those living with this insidious disease, and those family members and caregivers who walk every step of that journey with them.”

“We encourage everyone on our campus, including our independent residents, to become involved,” said Lisa Secone, Highlands wellness coordinator. “Because of so many people now being diagnosed earlier with Alzheimer’s, there’s a surge in the numbers of those living with it. It could be any of us … or a neighbor, friend, relative or co-worker.”

“It’s not all sorrow,” but there can be joy too, Secone said after the event Friday.

Crystal Toothaker, Highlands director of resident services, said she hopes Friday’s event illustrated the significance of supporting Alzheimer’s research. The Longest Day raises money to help cure this devastating disease, so perhaps the money raised Friday during the events at The Highlands can help eradicate the disease.

“It’s really about doing something that you love to do, be it going out to eat at a restaurant, spending the day with your family, going hiking, biking, doing something that you love and then donating money for Alzheimer’s research,” Toothaker said of The Longest Day, which is why such a variety of events were planned. Residents were asked to donate $20 to participate in events.

To donate to The Alzheimer’s Association, visit www.alz.org.

dmoore@timesrecord.com