The Power of Purple: A Reason to Hope Luncheon
On March 12, more than 520 advocates, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders gathered at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park for one powerful reason: hope.
The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter hosted its annual Power of Purple: A Reason to Hope Luncheon—and this year’s impact was nothing short of extraordinary. Together, attendees helped raise a record-breaking $640,000 to support critical Alzheimer’s care, research, and family resources.
For those of us at Open Arms Solutions, this event wasn’t just inspiring—it was deeply personal.
Why This Matters
Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect individuals—it reshapes entire families. As an in-home care provider, we see firsthand the emotional, physical, and financial toll it takes. We also see the resilience, love, and dedication of caregivers who show up every day.
Events like this luncheon are essential because they fuel:
- Groundbreaking research toward treatment and prevention
- Support services for families navigating difficult decisions
- Education and awareness that help communities respond with compassion
Simply put, this is how progress happens.
A Shared Commitment
We were proud to attend as an Ambassador Sponsor, standing alongside incredible partners like Franciscan Ministries, who served as the event’s Champion Sponsor.
Their leadership—and the collective generosity of everyone in the room—demonstrates what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared mission.
Recognizing Leadership & Impact
The luncheon also honored individuals whose contributions continue to move the fight forward:
- Champion Award: Marty Wilke
- Professional Caregiver Award: Nam Kyu Kim
- Family Caregiver Award: Ashley Walker
Each story shared was a reminder that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a journey.
Leadership Close to Home
We’re especially proud to recognize our partner, Jim Wong, who plays a significant role in advancing this mission. As a board member of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, the 2025–2026 Co-Chair of the luncheon, and a member of the golf outing committee, Jim’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to making a difference.
His involvement is a powerful example of how local leadership can drive real impact.
Moving Forward, Together
While $640,000 raised is an incredible milestone, the work is far from over.
At Open Arms Solutions, we remain committed to supporting families through every stage of aging—especially those navigating memory-related conditions. We’re proud to stand alongside organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association in the fight for better care, better support, and ultimately, a cure.
Because hope isn’t just something we talk about… it’s something we build, together!
