SALUTE INC. to Host Fundraiser at Hey Nonny

SALUTE INC., a Palatine-based nonprofit serving military veterans seeking temporary financial assistance to overcome barriers to physical and mental health treatment, will host a special fundraiser on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights.

“A Night to Remember” will raise funds to support the mission of SALUTE while shining a light on the special needs of veterans with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. The evening will feature a special performance by local favorites Mike & Joe, brief presentations by SALUTE and the Alzheimer’s Association, and a fund-a-need auction. Tickets are $100 per person and include a drink and hors d’oeuvres.

“September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and we want to focus on how this terrible disease is impacting so many men and women who served our country,” said Mary Beth Beiersdorf, executive director of SALUTE. “Service members having a history of a TBI increases their overall risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by 60 to 70% compared to uninjured peers.”

During the evening, Liana Redshaw, wife of U.S. Army National Guard veteran Ryan will share her family’s story. Ryan suffered a traumatic brain injury during a training exercise and soon after developed early onset Alzheimer’s. Still in his 30s with several young children, Ryan now lives in a facility where he can receive around-the-clock care.

“The key element of Ryan’s life that is still present is playing his guitar,” Beiersdorf said. “We are making this event a BYOG — Bring Your Own Guitar — and hope to have Ryan make an appearance. Mike & Joe will lead everyone in playing Ryan’s favorite song, ‘Freebird,’ together.”

Several leading area businesses have come forward to sponsor the event including Nicholas Associates, Urban Street, The Law Offices of RF Wittmeyer Ltd., and Hey Nonny, as well as the Glenn Garlick Family and the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We have come to know Ryan and Liana, and our generous donors have allowed us to provide them with assistance, but sadly, their story is not unique,” Beiersdorf said. “We hope to raise funds and build awareness so that others like them can find the healing they need.”

Tickets for “A Night to Remember” can be purchased at heynonny.com.

To learn more about SALUTE, INC., visit saluteinc.org.