By: Michael Gerhard—
Funds will be used to bring iPod music to Alzheimer’s patients
Muncie, IN—Ball State —Comedy, music and dance acts will perform at a fundraising variety show Wednesday, Nov. 9 to benefit Music & Memory-Ball State, a Ball State student service group.
The annual “A Night to Remember” benefit show is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Pruis Hall and will feature student entertainment acts, with a special appearance by Hoosier singer-songwriter Ivory West.
Proceeds will benefit Music & Memory-Ball State, a nonprofit whose mission is to bring personalized iPod music mixes to Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
Other performers scheduled to appear include: Rhythms Dance Troupe, Note to Self (a capella), Ball State Belly Dance Club, ABSO Improv Comedy, Ladies’ Choice (a capella), Ball State University Singers, baton twirler Sarah Hirschbeck, and Magic for Miracles.
All funds raised will be used to continue a personalized therapeutic music outreach at The Woodlands, 3820 W. Jackson St., where student volunteers visit residents multiple times a week to bring joy and happiness through the power of music.
The group has also supplied volunteers and free digital music equipment to two other Muncie long-term care facilities — Bethel Pointe and Signature HealthCare of Muncie.
“Personalized music therapy often helps reduce agitation in dementia patients, triggers memories, and makes them happier and more social,” said Erin Daly, president of Music & Memory-Ball State. “We have seen positive results in dozens of nursing home residents since our outreach began in 2014.”
“A Night to Remember” is co-sponsored by Victory Honda of Muncie, Lifetime Skin Care Centers of Muncie, and the Sunshine Cafe.
A raffle will be held during the event, featuring gifts donated by local businesses, including a new guitar donated by Sight & Sound Music Center of Muncie.
Admission is $3 or an iTunes gift card. Tickets are available at the door. All members of the community are invited to attend.
“Individualized iPod music can greatly enhance the lives of forgotten Hoosiers,” said Logan Vaughn, vice president of the service group. “The variety show is our main fundraiser. It will be a fun night featuring some of the best student talent at Ball State.”
If you want to donate to the cause, you may also send a check to Music & Memory, c/o Department of Telecommunications, Ball State University, 47306.
For more information, visit the Facebook site: Music & Memory at BSU.
Contacts:
- Erin Daly, BSU student: 910-388-6979, eidaly@bsu.edu
- Atalie Klumpp, BSU student: 812-583-7536; arklumpp@bsu.edu
- Logan Vaughn, BSU student: 765-6174687; ltvaughn@bsu.edu
- Madison Willard, BSU student: 260-908-5930; mbqwillard@bsu.edu
- Mike Gerhard, faculty advisor, Associate Professor of Telecommunications, BSU: 765-278-2969; mgerhard@bsu.edu
