BACKSTORY
In January of 1997 I was a sixth grader somewhere in the middle of what could only be described as a “Jim Carrey phase.”
Then one day, there was this gangly new girl in class and her locker was right next to mine. The girl’s name? Courtney Vanderlinde.
Courtney transferred from a neighboring parochial school. Courtney was awesome in the most fabulously awkward way. We were “locker buddies” in no time.
All the way through school our lockers were right next to each other. In the process of growing up we shared every adolescent drama, all the highs and especially the lows. The break-ups and failures, the pimples and practices, the tears and fears.
Courtney is a forever-friend.
We’ve partied in Vegas…
Sailed the high seas…
Explored Canyonlands…
I even officiated their wedding!
Courtney is the kind of person you want in your life. She’s a great listener, offers brilliant advice, has an amazing laugh, and a magnetic energy. She’s kind of like the sister I always wanted.
I’d do anything to help my locker buddy.
Which is why I’m writing to you…
On Saturday, May 18th, Courtney is hosting the 9th Annual Morels & Memories: A Mushroom Hunt & Alzheimer’s Fundraiser.
Because Alzheimer’s Disease:
- …has no known cause or cure
- …is the 6th leading cause of death in the USA
- …affected Courtney’s mom and millions more
In 2011 Courtney’s mom, Heidi, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 49. Alzheimer’s disease took Heidi from us in 2019.
Odds are you probably know someone who’s either living with this disease, providing care for someone with this disease, or you’ve had to say goodbye to someone because of this disease.
All of these reasons (and more) are why I auditioned for and toured with The Remember Project. I needed to do something then and now…
Seen on Minnesota Bound
In April 2024 Minnesota Bound featured Courtney’s family’s story in their broadcast. Watch the segment below:
Do something helpful & fun
REGISTER NOW
Did you know morel mushrooms can’t be farmed? Morels can only grow in the wild. That’s why they’re often expensive (like $50-100/lb).
By participating you’ll:
- keep every morel mushroom you find
- explore 180 acres with trained guides
- be eligible for prizes for: first found, longest, heaviest mushrooms!
- see cooking demos, taste samples, & receive recipes
- experience the musical stylings of Jazziblu
- enjoy finger foods, alcohol, & NA beverages
- help fund research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease
Participation is limited… Confirm your spot today.
Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk and we must come together to change the course of this disease.
All donations go to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund where they use 100% of donations to enhance care and support programs and advance research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Thanks for reading and considering attending the event. This means a lot to Courtney, her family, and mine.
Courtney and I can’t wait to see you at the event and give you a free high-five!
THOUGHTS?