Submitted by Catherine Pearce for Alzheimer’s Association
After losing her dad, Nick, to Alzheimer’s in 2014, Catherine Pearce decided to do everything she could to end this devastating disease. Once Catherine began to set a plan in motion, it was incredible just how many people came forward who had also been affected by Alzheimer’s in some way. Unfortunately, that is not surprising when you consider over 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, and there is no cure or treatment for the disease.
From months of dialogue, research, and coordination with the Alzheimer’s Association, Game Night to Remember was born. The premise of the event is unique and exciting: official volunteers will play tabletop (or “board”) games for a full 24 hours, only stopping for minimal breaks. They do this to collect pledge donations, much like the principles of a walk-a-thon. During the event hours, the public is encouraged to join the official players in one of the hundreds of games available, or to bring a game to “challenge” them. Of course, the volunteers will take the time to explain and teach new games so everyone can be part of the fun.
Tabletop games are not the only part of this event. There will be over $2000 worth of raffle prizes for lucky winners to take home. Local businesses have truly contributed to this raffle, offering up massages, spa gift cards, and boutique items. Gamers and geeks will be pleased with the raffle selection as well; collectible prizes range from rare 1960s games, to Star Trek memorabilia, to items from popular new shows like Game of Thrones.
Perhaps the most exciting part of Game Night to Remember is the location. The entire event will be hosted by Gabi’s Olympic Cards and Comics in Lacey, which is already well-known for being generously focused on giving back to Thurston County. Catherine Pearce knew that Gabi’s was the ideal place for Game Night to Remember, due to the 7000 square feet of comics, games, specialty items and open gaming space. This is excellent news for Catherine’s growing group of volunteers, who need the space to keep tables going for dozens of people to game at any given time. Also, Gabi’s is extremely family-friendly and holds strong to the principle of creating a safe space for everyone.
So what kind of gaming should one expect at Game Night to Remember? Honestly, ANY kind! The diverse group of volunteers each specialize and enjoy different categories, so there is something for everyone to play. There will be casual and social games, like Apples to Apples, Code Names, and Balderdash. There will be more advanced strategy games, like Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Pandemic. For players who want to try something new, there will be tutorials on advanced and difficult games like Dungeons and Dragons.
Game Night to Remember is absolutely free for the public to attend, though our goal is to raise as much money as possible to stop Alzheimer’s, so we encourage everyone to bring donations and funds for raffle sign-in. 100% of all donations and proceeds from the raffle will go directly to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Game Night to Remember takes place on Saturday October 8, starting at 11:59 a.m., and will end on Sunday October 9, at 11:59 a.m. Gabi’s Olympic Cards and Comics is located at 4230 Pacific Ave. Lacey, WA 98503.
If you are interested in contributing to the event by giving raffle prizes, support for the volunteers, or another great idea, please contact Catherine Pearce at cjanepearce@gmail.com
Learn more about Game Night to Remember online here.
