Adult day center launches campaign to build a 750-foot paper chain during World Alzheimer’s Month

In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Month in September, Town Square Perry Hall - an adult enrichment center serving seniors living with Alzheimer’s and dementia - has launched The Purple Promise Project, a month-long community fundraising and awareness initiative. The campaign invites the community to unite around a shared mission: supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and honoring the families who care for them.

Throughout the month, Town Square Perry Hall and participating community partners are asking individuals to write a personal promise on a strip of purple paper that represents a meaningful commitment to those impacted by Alzheimer’s, such as, “I promise to visit my grandmother more,” “I promise to learn the warning signs of Alzheimer’s,” or “I promise to reduce the stigma around dementia.”

Each promise will become a link and added to a chain that will be unveiled at Town Square Perry Hall’s Health and Wellness Fair on Sept. 26. With a goal of collecting 2,026 links, Town Square leaders expect the final Purple Promise Project chain to measure approximately 750 feet long, which would be one the largest Alzheimer’s awareness installations in the region.

"Alzheimer's and dementia touch so many lives, but no family should ever feel like they are facing this journey alone,” said Keyonna Jordan, director of operations and programming at Town Square Perry Hall. “Each link in this chain represents an act of kindness and understanding, showing our members and caregivers that they have the support of our community.”

The campaign invites the community to make a $2 donation for each promise. Town Square Perry Hall will donate funds raised by The Purple Promise Project to nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association Maryland Chapter, which provides support services, care options and education for families and caregivers in Baltimore City, surrounding counties, Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore.

"Awareness generated through efforts such as The Purple Promise Project are essential to people impacted by Alzheimer's and other dementias," said Ellen Torres, vice president of development for the Alzheimer's Association Maryland Chapter. "The promise chain, in particular, mirrors what it takes to support someone living with Alzheimer's. It's rarely one grand gesture, but many small acts of care that make a difference. What's more, every dollar raised through this project helps the Alzheimer's Association provide free care — such as the 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), support groups and education programs. We are so thankful for partners like Town Square Perry Hall that bring our mission into their communities."

As an adult enrichment center, Town Square Perry Hall offers activities, exercise, socialization and care for seniors with memory issues, as well as adults with cognitive impairments, in a day center environment. Town Square Perry Hall members kicked off The Purple Promise Project on August 20 with a group activity where their members created the first links in the chain.

During Town Square Perry Hall’s Health & Wellness Fair at 9708 Bellair Road in Baltimore on Sept. 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., visitors can continue to add links to the chain until a final ceremony, where a Town Square representative will announce the total promise count, final chain length and funds raised for the Alzheimer's Association.

Following the event, the chain will remain on display at Town Square Perry Hall.

To contribute to The Purple Promise Project, visit Town Square Perry Hall at 9708 Bellair Road in Baltimore Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also donate online or contact the center at TSPHallcontact@townsquare.net.

About Town Square Perry Hall

Located at 9708 Belair Road in Baltimore, Town Square Perry Hall is an adult enrichment center serving seniors living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and adults in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community, while providing daily respite to families and caregivers. The center is uniquely designed like a vintage-style town, creating a comforting and nostalgic environment where members can provide meaningful care, engagement and socialization. For more information, visit www.townsquare.net/adult-day-care/maryland/perryhall.