By Cami Mondeaux | [email protected]

Music was blasting, contestants were dancing and crowds were cheering as the stage was set with excitement at the third annual Singing for a Cure lip sync battle held at Cottonwood Creek Assisted Living on Aug. 16.

This was the second Singing for a Cure battle that took place, with the first being held on Aug. 2 at the Abbington Senior Living where Canyon Creek Assisted Living group took first place with their rendition of “Gangnam Style” by PSY.

After two hours of belting out tunes and performing choreography, it was time to crown the new winner. The audience enjoyed the entertainment and were excited to crown a new victor.

“Dance! Dance!” a resident cried out.

“I already danced!” a performer exclaimed. “That’s the most dancing I have done all year!”

The judges announced the winner of the battle: Rodney Washburn from Beacon Crest Senior Living, who performed “Marry Me” by Bruno Mars.

The Visiting Angels Living Assistance Service partners with the Alzheimer’s Association through this event to raise money for research and support programs while also building awareness of the needs surrounding the disease.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, with a new case developing every 65 seconds. As a result, one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or dementia, claiming more lives than breast and prostate cancer combined.

Kathy Sorensen, community liaison for Visiting Angels, said Singing for a Cure plays a huge role in gaining support for the Alzheimer’s Association. Sorensen said this event is a good way to bring the community together and serves multiple purposes for those affected by Alzheimer’s.

Singing for a Cure began in Utah in 2015 by the Visiting Angels office in Layton, inspiring the same event in Salt Lake City the next year. The event began as a means to raise money and get the community involved in a single effort that could spark big changes.

Participating in this event, whether in big or small ways, makes a difference. said Sorensen. “Every little drop adds up — and every drop counts.”

Sorensen said these opportunities serve to get the message out and allow for the community to network together to work toward the same goal. “It’s important because (those affected by Alzheimer’s) can see that we are working toward a goal. And our goal is to find a cure. That is the ultimate goal.”

More than 25 businesses have come together to support the Visiting Angels for the lip sync battle by donating gift cards and merchandise for the raffle held at the performances. Sorensen mentioned the impact this had on the event, allowing them to raise more money while also spreading awareness to local businesses.

Sorensen reflected on the community’s efforts to support and said they have been working hard to make a difference. This is “something they are doing out of the goodness of their hearts… and they have been so generous,” said Sorensen.

“You guys are amazing,” said Laura Wall, director of development for the Alzheimer’s Association, to the crowd at Cottonwood Creak Assisted Living on Aug. 16. “What you’re doing makes a difference because you’re bringing joy to our hearts.”

Wall emphasized the importance of laughter and love needed during the difficult time of caring for a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s. Wall ended the event saying, “Cool stuff is happening. We don’t have our first survivor yet today, but we have hope.”

Sorensen encourages everyone to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk, taking place on Sept. 15 at the Utah State Capitol. During the walk, Canyon Creek Assisted Living and Beacon Crest Senior Living will compete for the Singing for a Cure grand prize.

To participate or get more information on the Alzheimer’s Association Walk, visit www.alz.org/walk or contact Visiting Angels 801-923-2390