Several years ago, I observed a sportscaster wearing a purple bow tie. That glance made me wonder about promoting purple bow ties here in Winnemucca. Working with Dionne Schertel we hatched the idea of Tie-One-On, a bow tie tying contest to be held each year.
Thinking about when and where we discussed how best to promote our Alzheimer’s Awareness cause, asking ourselves when and where do enthusiastic locals gather? Basketball! I quick call to Lowry High established the possibilities and our plan sprang to life.
Because the Lowry gym is a perfect size for a rousing crowd we perused the home schedule, selected a worthy opponent, and began making ribbon ties and gaining the support of Lowry Cheer.
Cheer jumped at the challenged and grabbed ties and tying instructions (it is not simple!) and went to work practicing.
Coaches agreed that between the varsity girls and boys basketball games worked fine, and thus we were set.
The purpose is to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s, a deadly disease that is the 4th leading cause of death in our country.
Since we never intend to “scare” people, we focus on education and the power of knowledge.
What can be done right now to help avoid this disease? Eating healthy foods (even pizza and hotdogs at the game!), exercising (walking to and from the gym with the players activating their bodies through practice and play), making connections with old friends and making new ones, and engaging in a fun, social activity. From these essentials, we have grown each year, both in number of participants and ensuing proceeds.
Our table at the door makes it nearly impossible to miss out on receiving a ribbon bow to affix to a shirt plus there is a donation jar “just in case”.
The past two years we have also had quilts to raffle so each one dollar dropped into the coffers earns a ticket.
Two Alzheimer’s Awareness cohorts, Kelley Griggs and Patty Ellifritz, created 1,650 ribbons and Patty also made the lovely quilt. We handed out well over 1,000 and the extras are stored awaiting next year.
Don Walton announced the event and locals Shaun Tayler, Brandie Pettis, Rich Stone, JoAnn Casalez, Jolina Adams, Samantha Kepler, and Alaine Nye headed to center court along with Lowry Coaches Cabatbat and Zamudio and Fallon Coaches Shelly Dalager, Brian Mello, and Dan Anderson.
Yes, the Greenwave coaches, players, cheer, and fans joined right in! Lowry Cheer partnered with a participant and the bow ties flew — fantastic flashes or purple wrapped around extended necks. The best and the fastest donned by Coach Cabatbat and Jolina Adams received applause as did everyone on the court. Hudson, Patty’s grandson, drew out the winning raffle ticket.
The final count of $669 means education and respite for local residents and our chance to take a positive stance in our community. This generosity pays for our Brain Health Conference Wednesday, March 27th at GBC. Plan to attend.
I felt so enriched by every aspect of the evening. While sometimes I think maybe it is time to retire this activity, meeting and greeting generous individuals inspire me for another year. And talk about the positive impression left by kids!
Every single one replied “Thanks” to the ribbon bow and furthermore they pinned them right on.
Team members of all squads plus Fallon and Lowry cheer and dance team united in awareness and compassion. While some chuckle at our title - Tie-One-On – you now get the joke.