Let's #GoPurple for Alzheimer's Awareness!

June 20, 2016 marks the summer solstice, the official start to summer with 16 hours of daylight. The summer solstice also symbolizes the challenging journey for people living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia and those who serve as their caregivers. For them, every day can feel like The Longest Day.

Join The Longest Day Rally on Church Street on Monday, June 20, 2016

Activities begin at 4pm on the City Hall block in downtown Burlington. Stop by and visit the Alzheimer's Association, Vermont Chapter tent. Meet WJOY radio personality Ginny McGehee. Talk to amazing volunteers about The Longest Day and the Walk to End Alzheimer's too. The first 100 participants will receive a purple or white carnation to carry during the march down Church Street.

At 5pm sharp, waiving pompoms and carrying flowers, we'll march from the top of Church Street to the steps of City Hall. Upon arrival at City Hall, we'll enjoy a brief and joyous program celebrating our loved ones with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Featured speakers include Emcee Ginny McGehee, WJOY radio personality; Martha Richardson, Alzheimer's Association executive director; and Nancy Bercaw, mission speaker, local author and Alzheimer's advocate.

The Longest Day Rally on Church Street is free and open to the public but donations are greatly appreciated. To make a donation or to help us plan with an RSVP, please click here.

But wait, there's more!

 ALEX AND ANI will host a Charmed by Charity Soiree from 4 - 6PM on June 20, 2016. Come sip refreshments, snack on small bites and shop with others who share your passion for giving back. 15% of all proceeds* will be donated to support the Alzheimer's Association. For more details or to RSVP, contact Luann Bellis at Luann@PT360coop.com.

*Excludes CHARITY BY DESIGN, Affinity, and Bangle of the Month.

Work up an appetite at The Longest Day Rally on Church Street? Leunig's Bistro & Cafe is dedicated to great food, great times and giving back to the community. On Monday, June 20, 10% of your dinner bill* will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association, Vermont Chapter.

*Applies to meal only, does not include alcohol or purchase of community partner cards

The Longest Day in Vermont

With 18 registered teams participating in The Longest Day, the activities are as wide-ranging as the communities where they will take place. From making cupcakes to purple pasta, playing cribbage or bridge, draft horse wagon train rides to mountain bike rides to motorcycle rides, Vermonters are putting their passion to work to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's care, support and research. To learn more about The Longest Day, donate to a team or get involved, visit alz.org/thelongestday.

Thank You

Special thanks to the City of Burlington Mayor's Office for their official proclamation of The Longest Day as a day to honor the selfless and never-ending contributions of caregivers as they support their loved ones.

The Longest Day Rally on Church Street is made possible thanks to our sponsors: the Church Street Marketplace, Burlington Town Center, Villanti Printers, Kathy and Company Florist, ALEX AND ANI, Leunig's Bistro & Cafe, WJOY AM1260, KOOL 105.1 BIG HITS, FreePressMedia, WPTZ NewsChannel 5, and Urban Rhino.