Seniors decorate umbrellas to benefit Alzheimer's Association

Updated April 4 with how to participate in the auction

Residents of a Glenview senior living community have been decorating umbrellas recently for an online auction to benefit a local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

Starting with white umbrellas and using acrylic and fabric paints, residents of all skill levels have been creating designs that range from elaborate and detailed to simple and beautiful. The type of paint being applied allows the umbrellas to be used for their intended purpose without being damaged.

"We were thinking about ways that our residents could be creative and give back to the community even though we are sheltering in place," said Jim Faust, Belmont Village Glenview's activity program coordinator. "Our residents are cooped up indoors because of COVID-19, and we wanted to shelter our residents with creativity, positivity and hope through these umbrellas, and repel the negativity and anxiety."

Faust said the residents are practicing proper social distancing during the activity. He has been working with residents as they come up with an artistic design, then apply it to the umbrella.

The auction has been tentatively scheduled for the second week of April. Photos of the residents with their umbrellas will be posted on social media to showcase the initiative, Faust said.

"People can then buy raffle tickets online from the comfort of their own home and donate to an amazing cause that impacts our residents," Faust said.

The link for the virtual auction is www.go.rallyup.com/belmontgivesback. There's also an option for people to text "BelmontGivesBack" to (855) 202-2100 to get a link to buy raffle tickets.