Members of Morgan Hill, Gilroy and Hollister Bridge Clubs will join hundreds of bridge players across the country to raise money for The Longest Day—an annual fundraising event for Alzheimer’s research held by the American Contract Bridge League and the Alzheimer’s Association.
The local clubs’ team, called Bridge with Linda, is led by team captain Linda King and has set a goal to raise $1,600 by playing bridge in Hollister’s Dunne Park for 10 hours on the longest day of the year: June 21. The day will include social, student and all-ages bridge games beginning at 8 a.m., plus two additional open bridge games until 6 p.m. Game fees will be $10 and 100 percent goes to the Alzheimer’s Association.
With an average age of 69, ACBL’s members—most of whom play regularly at local bridge clubs—are significantly affected by Alzheimer’s disease. By raising funds as part of The Longest Day program, bridge players are able to honor friends and loved ones who have been stricken with the disease while also keeping their own mental skills sharp, according to the ACBL and the Alzheimer’s Association.
To raise money, the ACBL is encouraging its members to compete in bridge games from sunrise to sunset, which is approximately 16 hours on the summer solstice—the longest day of the year. The format of the event is determined by local club managers.
For more information about the ACBL, visit www.acbl.org. For information on the Alzheimer’s Association, visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.