Swansea, IL - Sycamore Village held it's 1st annual Art Auction on Tuesday, July 27th. The silent auction was a huge success, with close to 100 in attendance.  All proceeds are going to the Alzheimer's Association. With Roy-el Catering offering wine and a delicious assortment of appetizers throughout the event and a saxophonist playing live, the atmosphere was perfect for viewing the wide array of art.  All of the pieces were made by residents living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia and memory loss. 

The art program at Sycamore Village has provided a creative outlet for many residents who may be having trouble communicating in traditional manners, such as speaking and writing.  The event kicked off at 4:00 p.m. with 83 individual pieces up for bidding. Through announcements on Facebook and our website, family and friends were offered a peek at some of the artwork prior to the event.  When the bidding concluded and the "winners" announced, the total amount collected was $3,500!  Rachel Lugge, a representative from the Alzheimer's Association also attended to express the organization's  gratitude for not only the money raised, but for the continued level of care and work that Sycamore provides for all of the residents. Ms. Lugge went on to say "I was so inspired by this event; what a wonderful way to honor the residents with dementia.  When talking with families that night, so many of them were anxious to receive the artwork created by their loved ones to keep in their families and pass down through the generations.  I am already looking forward to next year's art show."  Overall, it was a wonderful evening for family members to share and connect as well as a forum for supporting a great cause.