Every year on or around the summer solstice—June 21—The Longest Day sheds daylight on Alzheimer’s disease, symbolically combating the darkness of cognitive decline. The Alzheimer’s Association, which coordinates this global event, invites communities to raise funds and awareness through creative, all-day activities.
Touchmark, a longtime partner of the Alzheimer’s Association, has embraced The Longest Day as a cornerstone of its community engagement. In the past, Touchmark communities have organized events from sunup to sundown—including yoga sessions, craft workshops, concerts, car shows, and balloon rides—not just to raise money, but to build camaraderie and celebrate life. In Helena, for instance, staff and residents distributed purple carnations to passersby, marking the day with visual reminders of hope and solidarity.
In recent years, Touchmark at Mount Bachelor Village in Bend has set the bar high. In 2021, residents and staff logged over 5,000 miles in a bike-a-thon, raised more than $18,000 just from cycling efforts, and surpassed $35,000 overall through auctions, flower sales, and partner promotions—solidifying their position as regional leaders in The Longest Day fundraising.
In recent years, communities across the Touchmark network hosted “Touchstock” music festivals (our version of Woodstock), car shows, pickleball matches, sunrise yoga, ice-bucket plunges, and more—with each event uniquely tailored to local interests. Together, we've increased our companywide annual fundraising average to more than $80,000 across more than a dozen locations—from Beaverton to Appleton, Helena to Prescott, and beyond.
This Year’s Highlights
This year, Touchmark is building on that momentum with a mix of proven favorites and fresh ideas:
- Pancake breakfasts to kick-start the day’s light and energy.
- Outdoor concerts and car shows, drawing families and neighbors alike.
- Silent & live auctions featuring resident-created artwork and community donations.
- Partner promotions with local businesses—like deli specials and flower-gram fundraising.
- Fun runs/walks in remembrance.
- Carnivals to put the fun in fundraising!
- Barbecues, happy hours, and wine tastings to remember to enjoy life’s bold flavors.
These activities reflect a deeper purpose: to foster dignity, connection, and meaning for residents and their families. As one team leader observed, “Every day is a long day when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s,” and on this day, Touchmark brings light to both the disease and those affected.
Why It Matters
Through annual efforts like The Longest Day, Touchmark not only raises crucial funds for Alzheimer’s care and research; it also strengthens bonds—within each community, and between Touchmark and local supporters. Residents, staff, families, and neighbors unite to honor lives affected by Alzheimer’s, turning fundraising into a vibrant, heartfelt expression of solidarity.
Looking ahead, Touchmark continues to light the way—every solstice, with each event, year after year. We hope you’ll visit your local Touchmark’s Facebook page to learn how you can get involved in this year’s efforts.