Senior Living Network started in 1996 as a “fashion show” to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and educational support. The show was the idea of Delores (Dee) Fester, who at the time managed the Alzheimer’s program at Hacienda/Harbor Village. She enlisted many volunteers, and together they sold tickets to raise funds for the first recipient, UCSF – Fresno Alzheimer’s & Memory Center. The first show was held in what is now the Holiday Inn in downtown Fresno. It raised over $1,200, and successfully launched our organization.
Since 2000, the Fashion Show/Luncheon has become an annual event, and has grown to raise almost $20,000 each year. It is held on the first Thursday in November, in observance of Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Monies raised at this event are divided equally between three non-profits offering education, support and care for families affected by this disease. In 2009, Senior Living Network obtained not-for-profit status, and decided to donate all funds raised equally between three organizations:
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of Central California
- UCSF-Fresno Alzheimer’s & Memory Center
- Valley Caregivers Resource Center – OASIS
In 2008, Senior Living Network instituted an annual Alzheimer's Awareness Walk/Run in Fresno County, which by 2012 had over 450 participants and raised more than $10,000.
In 2012, Senior Living Network formed a ‘South Valley’ group, which began raising funds for an Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk/Run in Tulare County, and that money will benefit the following:
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of Central California
- Porterville Adult Day Services (PADS)
- UCSF-Fresno Alzheimer’s & Memory Center
Senior Living Network has grown to include dozens of businesses and individuals each supporting the organization on a volunteer basis. There are no paid positions. We strive to keep our expenses as low as possible in order to maximize our donations.
