Car show raises funds for Alzheimer’s awareness

By West Texas Tribune | October 4, 2025 |

By Makalah Wright

The impact of the Alzheimer’s Association has inspired Wisteria Place Independent Living in Abilene to raise awareness about the disease.

The local senior living establishment hosted a “one-day only” car show called “Rev Up Your Memories” in August with a mission to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Lisa O’Neal, director of operations for Wisteria, recently organized a car show to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. (Photo By Floyd Miller)

Lisa O’Neal, director of operations for Wisteria Place, said she was thrilled that the community showcased its support for the Alzheimer’s Association, as well as with the huge turnout that they received from sponsors such as KD Photography and Visiting Angels.

The car show was accompanied with live music from local band The Cognitos, and a few local universities helped out, as well.

O’Neal was inspired to create an Alzheimer’s Disease-related event based on her previous experience. “When I worked for our sister company (Wisteria Place Assisted Living and Memory Care), they put on a car show for the Alzheimer’s Association every year,” she said.

After finding out that the original car show wouldn’t take place this year, O’Neal was devastated by the news — but it only prompted her to take matters into her own hands. Because of that, she was determined to better promote her support for the important cause and was willing to partner with people to bring an event to life.

“I was at a stand meeting with my first team and we were trying to figure out what we can do to help support the Walk for Alzheimer’s — one suggested a car show,” O’Neal said. “I thought about it and I was thinking ‘why not’, so we ran with it.”

Since this was the first year for Wisteria Place hosting an Alzheimer’s-related event, the fundraising aspect served as one of the most vital factors. The event was raised $3,000, and O’Neal said she was grateful for the amount of gratitude that the participants showed.

Although O’Neal personally doesn’t know anyone with the condition, she has known people who have dementia, which shares many similarities with Alzheimer’s in terms of symptoms.

In the United States, approximately 7 million people are living with Alzheimer’s Disease, according to the Alzheimer Association. With the majority of those diagnosed being elderly, it’s important for caregivers and families to educate themselves on how dire the condition can be for older people and how to provide emotional support when it’s needed.

At the end of the day, O’Neal encourages those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s or know someone with the condition that they are not alone. Raising awareness and lifting up one’s spirit in times of need will solidify happiness and personal strength for days to come. “Be patient, be kind. It takes a lot of compassion and a very special person,” O’Neal said.