A local charity that serves people living with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia is planning its first-ever fundraiser centered around an original stage performance.
“Losing Sandi,” a new play about a woman living with Alzheimer’s and how it affects her and those who love her will premier with a stage reading in Columbus on Monday, June 12 at Helen Haddad Hall. The performance will raise money for Sandi’s Closet, which provides a unique in-person shopping experience in familiar settings for those with memory loss.
Jill Tasker founded the nonprofit charity in honor of her late mother, Sandi Hinshaw.
“When it was no longer possible for my mother to go shopping — her favorite activity — I set up a shop in my home and she had so much fun,” Takser said. “Her happy feelings lasted for hours. I thought I would create this experience for others with dementia so they could enjoy shopping for themselves for their loved ones.
”Currently, we serve six facilities in Columbus and Bloomington. Money raised will help us expand and serve in more communities.”
And the performance of “Losing Sandi” — a reading of a play written by Phillip Kaplan — aims to do just that. Organizers describe the play as “poignant, funny, and heartbreaking, with stellar performances by Jan Lucas, Doug Stender, and Maria Argentina Souza.”
A reception on June 12 at 5:30 p.m. with catered food and drinks and a silent auction will precede the staged reading performance. Sponsors will enjoy a special preview performance on Sunday, June 11 at 4 p.m., with a meet-and-greet with the actors and playwright to follow. All proceeds will go toward supporting Sandi’s Closet.
