The Act Now Foundation, a Hudson County-based nonprofit that offers free dementia support services, raised $146,000 – their personal best to date – at their 6th annual gala earlier this year.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“When families are dealing with a dementia diagnosis, the last thing they need is financial barriers to care,” Act Now Foundation President and Co-Founder Kristine Allen said in a statement.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community and the savings from Zeffy’s platform, we can provide even more free cognitive assessments, caregiver support groups, and crisis management services.”
More than $50,000 of the $146,000 raised were done through Zeffy, a fee-free fundraising platform, allowing every dollar to go directly toward supporting families affected by dementia.
Act Now Foundation was born out of personal hardship. In 2009, co-founders Allen and Cary Lopez watched their loved ones struggle with dementia.
After Lopez’s mother, Isa, endured a 14-year battle with Alzheimer’s, the two left behind their successful fragrance business and launched Act Now Foundation in 2012.
What started as a small initiative has since grown into a vital resource for families across New Jersey.
The foundation now offers free cognitive assessments, caregiver support groups and crisis management, long-term care planning assistance, disease education and advocacy, as well as community outreach programs.
“This year’s Gala success means we can reach even more families when they need us most,” added Lopez, who is also the Act Now executive director.
“By using Zeffy’s platform, we were able to increase attendance and maximize donations, ensuring that every dollar stays in the community.”
For more information or to access their free services, visit actnowfoundation.org.
To support their mission, donations can be made through their Zeffy page here.
