Health & Fitness
Nicole Gorski juggles events for The Longest Day
The Alzheimer's Association fundraiser involves participants of all ages
Bake sales, golf tournaments, and concerts throughout Maryland are among the many activities and events requiring Nicole Gorski to apply event planning skills. She juggles these
multiple schedules as the constituent events manager for The Longest Day®. The year-round fundraiser lets participants use their passion to raise awareness and funds in the fight to end Alzheimer's for the Alzheimer's Association Greater Maryland Chapter. "You can do whatever you want, with many people honoring," says Gorski. The goal is to raise $115,000.
The summer solstice on June 21, the longest day of the year, is when participants' efforts
receive recognition. The motto is "The day with the most light is the day we fight."
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Gorski recruits participants in Baltimore City and 18 counties as far away as Allegheny County. "Whatever the person wants to do or if they are searching for an activity to do, I can help," she says. "I also help with registration, marketing, marketing materials, create online fundraising portals, fliers, event-day decorations, and day-of support." Gorski attends many activities to cheer from the sidelines.
The incentive awards for those who reach fundraising benchmarks include t-shirts, mugs, jackets, and other brag-swag items.
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Children support the effort as well. Last year, two siblings hosted a kickball tournament, raising
more than $10,000 in honor of their grandmother living with Alzheimer's. "Our youngest participant this year is only six years old who'll be helping the Easter Bunny by hiding candy-filled eggs on lawns and delivering a letter from the Easter bunny," says Gorski.
Gorski's other managed peer-to-peer event is the Walk to End Alzheimer's® in Harford/Cecil on October 1. "It's not too early to start forming teams," she says of the Association's largest peer-to-peer fundraiser. (Register at alz.org/maryland.walk).
The mother of three is sometimes accompanied by her husband and children at events, stating,
"The biggest support they give me is putting up with my crazy schedule, particularly in June."
To participate in The Longest Day, register at alz.org/longest day.
