Raise a Glass for Kind Hands Fundraiser to Support Families Living with Dementia

SPRINGFIELD — Kind Hands Adult Social Day Program invites the community to raise a glass for a meaningful cause at Raise a Glass for Kind Hands, a celebrity bartending fundraiser supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and related cognitive impairments. The event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Nathan Bill’s Bar & Restaurant, 110 Island Pond Road, Springfield.

Hosted in partnership with Nathan Bill’s, the evening will bring neighbors, friends, local leaders, and supporters together in a spirit of compassion, connection, and community action. Guests will enjoy an uplifting night out while helping Kind Hands provide safe, engaging daytime care and essential respite for caregivers navigating the daily realities of memory loss.

Located in Longmeadow, Kind Hands Adult Social Day Program is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a warm, home-like environment where participants feel valued, connected, and supported. Through trained caregivers, meaningful activities, social connection, and family-style meals, the program helps individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia experience dignity, purpose, and joy each day.

“When a loved one is living with dementia, the entire family is affected,” said Liz Davila, executive director of Kind Hands Adult Social Day Program. “We created Kind Hands to feel like home — a place filled with laughter, friendship, and purpose for every person who walks through our doors. Our mission is to support not only our participants, but also their caregivers.”

Grace Barone, executive director of the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5), added that “this event is about surrounding families with care, understanding, and hope. When we come together as a community, we can help ensure that individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are treated with dignity and that their caregivers receive the support they so deeply deserve.”

Kind Hands operates Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., giving caregivers peace of mind as they balance work, family, and the emotional demands of supporting a loved one. By offering trusted daytime care and meaningful respite, the program helps families find moments of relief, reassurance, and renewed strength.

“At Polish National Credit Union, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting families during life’s most challenging moments,” said Mike Sugrue, president and CEO of Polish National Credit Union. “We are proud to partner with Kind Hands and ERC5 on this event to help raise awareness and vital resources for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Together, we can make a meaningful impact by fostering compassion, connection, and support for caregivers and their loved ones.”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help Kind Hands continue its mission of supporting older adults and families throughout the region with compassionate care, purposeful programming, and a welcoming place to belong.