Masters Health Care Center in Algood has hosted the longest Alzheimer’s support group in the Upper Cumberland, giving 23 years of support to our local and national Alzheimer’s organizations. 

Masters Health Care is also a participating member of the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk Association and on a regular basis raises funds independently for this much worthy cause.  Through their efforts, the Memory Walk Masters has helped to raise funds to establish a local Alzheimer’s office.

Their most recent fund raising event was called “Family Fun Night.”   It was a great fun-filled evening for all the residents, family members and local citizens. 

Last year Masters Health Care Center independently raised over $6,500 from different fundraising efforts to benefit the local and national Alzheimer’s Association.

The night started out with a mock “Jail Lock Up”.  Of course the first detainees were Melinda Bilbrey (Masters Admissions Coordinator) and Sylvia Burton (Masters Executive Director).  Wonder who put them in lock up first? 

Both locked up detainees were under the watchful eyes of Detective Bryant Swallows and Chief Jim Eldridge to make sure they didn’t try and escape from their lock up cell.  To be released from lock up both had to raise a minimum fund amount “Bail Money” to be released.  Organizers were extremely appreciative of the Algood Police Department for volunteering their time for this cause.

Then the Bingo games began.  There were lots of participants who enjoyed playing bingo, hoping to be the one to shout out “Bingo” to receive a winning prize.  Bingo winners were able to select from a large selection of wonderful donated gifts.

Then they moved on to the cake walk, followed by a silent auction which throughout the evening gave everyone an opportunity to bid on donated items to be auctioned.  Gifts ranged from wonderful gift baskets, photography sessions, sporting equipment to handmade quilts.

There were also raffles that allowed individuals to purchase a chance to stay at a weekend Bed and Breakfast Inn and a handmade quilt.  I couldn’t resist buying tickets for both of those raffle items myself.

 The evening’s events included a visit from Maynard & Sons Petting Zoo who brought “Ricky,” a miniature donkey sporting sunglass, a straw hat, bandana and saddle ready to give rides.  Joe, a 10 month old baby camel was in attendance and happy to accept treats and great all the visitors.  There was also a baby buffalo, sheep and another miniature donkey named Dolly. 

There was face painting, massage sessions giving by Physical Masters Therapists, and many other booths set up to offer a wide range of fun and activities.

All the booths, bingo, cake walk, auction items and raffles were all coordinated by Masters Healthcare employees.  Each department took on their own booth to organize and run. 

There was also an Alzheimer’s virtual tour that gave a rare glimpse into what living with Alzheimer’s is like.

Masters Health Care individually organizes many fundraising events throughout the year which includes a quilt for this year’s upcoming quilt festival traveling exhibit, Camp for the Cure, Pampered Chef parties, Jewelry and Book sales, Ride to Remember and theme basket sales.

Masters Health Care Center is part of the national acclaimed Kindred Healthcare which has been ranked first among health care facilities in Fortune magazine’s list of most admired companies.  Kindred Healthcare has received numerous awards from the American Health Care Association for demonstrating a strong commitment to quality improvement.

For more information on Masters Health Care Center please visit www.mastershealthcare.com.

For more information on the Eastern Tennessee’s Alzheimer’s Association please visit http://www.alz.org/tn/