What began as a small effort to support a family member has become a major charge toward finding a cure for a disease that impacts millions.Five years ago Jana Davis and her sister, Dee Lubs, decided to join a fundraiser after their mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.“My mom was in the middle of dementia, and we saw a thing where they were having a walk for Alzheimer’s and decided to have a team,” explained Davis. “We had a bunch of friends and family join us.”The duo then decided to host a golf tournament to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association after their mother was diagnosed. That initial event brought in $4,000.They were excited about the response and became more creative and assertive with their fundraising, creating the Family Ties Trivia Night.On Saturday the fifth annual trivia night and silent auction was held at Schuetzenground Hall, drawing a tremendous response.The Family Ties group managed to raise $12,500 through the event, bringing their fundraising total to around $76,000. The hall was nearly at capacity with 320 people comprising 32 trivia teams. The entry fees alone brought in $3,200.“The cool thing about it is that we started this as a family team doing trivia and we’ve gotten everybody together now in an effort to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s and raise funds,” said Davis. “We had a lot of great oral auction items this year.”Among them was a week’s stay at a condo that sold for $1,400. The silent auction also brought in generous donations.Davis said the buy-in she has received from the community has been tremendous. Family Ties has grown to a group of around 50, with 25 active members and volunteers.“Every time I’m at the hall I feel so blessed and filled with gratitude for all the good people,” said Davis. “You always hear about the bad stuff in the news, and it’s nice to have things that are positive.”

Many of those in attendance at the Family Ties Fifth Annual Trivia Night fundraiser for the Alzheimers Association dressed for the Irish theme, as the event was held on St. Patrick's Day. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe

The Family Ties Fifth Annual Trivia Night and Silent Auction fundraiser for the Alzheimers Association drew a generous crowd Saturday night at Schuetzenground Hall. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe

Patrons look over silent auction items during the Family Ties Fifth Annual Trivia Night to raise funds for the Alzheimers Association, held Saturday at Schuetzenground Banquet Hall. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe

Dee Lubs, event coordinator of the Family Ties Fifth Annual Trivia Night, works the silent auction portion on Saturday night. The event, held at the Schuetzenground Banquet Hall, helped raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe