Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary supports Alzheimer’s research, care and awareness
Longtime Rotarian Dave Keller and his wife Kathy recently hosted a cocktail party in their Lewes home to support and celebrate the work of Dr. James Ellison and his staff at Christiana Care’s Swank Center for Memory Care and Geriatric Consultation - Delaware’s premier medical group leading the fight to bring awareness, care and eventually a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
A symbolic $12,000 check was presented to Ellison representing various Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club fundraising efforts, including several crab feasts, numerous collection boxes, member contributions, a Rotary District grant as well as a donation from the club’s annual Flags For Heroes fundraising event.
The Swank Center in Wilmington is Delaware’s first and only comprehensive outpatient office available to serve the estimated 18,000 citizens across the state suffering with memory disorders. The center offers patients and their families the essential support, education and guidance needed - from diagnosis through treatment. They hope to open additional offices throughout the state in the future.
Keller, a board member of the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club, also singled out Ellison and two of his associates, Jennifer Rittereiser and Amy Bielicki, for special Hero awards for their exemplary service to the advancement, awareness and care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders.
Each honoree was presented with a special commemorative medallion and a photograph on canvas of a soldier placing one of 500 American flags at the field of honor in front of Cape Henlopen High School during the club’s annual Flags For Heroes event. This year the event raised over $40,000, with net proceeds distributed to greater Lewes area charities.
Rotary's mission is to make the greater Lewes community a better place to live, work, go to school and raise a family through both service and fundraising projects. The club meets at 5:45 p.m. every Monday evening for dinner at the Children’s Beach House, 1800 Bay Ave. in Lewes. Community-spirited individuals are invited to attend.
