By Marci Martin
The Rancho Bernardo Inn was once again the site of the Visionary Luncheon and Auction held on May 6, 2022. Due to the generosity of attendees and benefactors, more than $140,000 was raised for Alzheimer’s support and research. As always, 100% of every dollar will stay in San Diego County to help the community we know and love.
This was the fourth year holding the event and our first time back together since 2019. During the reception hour, guests participated in a silent auction, enjoyed the photo booth, and engaged in a friendly competitive putting contest.
Board member Carlo Cecchetto served as emcee, welcoming guests to the ballroom for the luncheon and program. Carlo shared highlights of the expansion of services offered by Alzheimer’s San Diego during the past two years of the pandemic. Guests were then introduced to the 2022 Visionary of the Year- Paul Loska and Carl Skaja of ICON Utility Services. Over the years, Paul and Carl have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Alzheimer’s support and research as advocates and sponsors of the annual Rides4ALZ motorcycle event.
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Having witnessed the disease firsthand with their respective family members, Paul and Carl were moved by the mission of Alzheimer’s San Diego. Paul Loska concluded his remarks by sharing some advice his mom gave him when he was going through a difficult situation. She said, “Son, if you think you’ve got problems, start helping other people.”
The live auction led to some fiery competition with the help of auctioneer Clint Bell…after all, who wouldn’t want to see the Padres win against the Dodgers or embark on a getaway to San Francisco? Guests also engaged in lively bidding for exquisite art pairings created by clients with memory loss and professional local artists. But at the core of all the excitement was a true sense of shared purpose, and of hope. Eugenia Welch, CEO of Alzheimer’s San Diego, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of community support saying, “People were so happy to gather together for a cause that means so much to them. It felt almost like a family reunion.”
