Memory Matters to celebrate 30 years
A familiar song. A shared laugh. A moment of recognition. For a family living with dementia, these moments can mean everything.
For 30 years, Memory Matters has created opportunities for connection while supporting people affected by dementia. In 2027, its anniversary gala will celebrate that work under the theme “Making Memories Matter: 30 Years & Counting.”
The celebration, scheduled for April 22 at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, will raise funds for dementia care services in Beaufort and Jasper counties. Serving as gala chairs are Kim Baretta, Sarah Coffin, Paula Scanlon, Craig Gilmore, John Weymouth and Bryce Edwards.
For Weymouth, the theme connects the organization’s beginnings with the families it serves today.
“I remember working on the building Memory Matters is in now and what it meant to own that first facility,” Weymouth said. “We were creating a place where people could feel welcome, supported and understood. Making memories matter starts with having a place where people matter.”
Over three decades, the organization has expanded its services. Today, Memory Matters offers programs for people experiencing early- and middle-stage memory changes, Compass social adult day services, caregiver education and support groups, care consultations, free memory screenings and brain health education.
“As our programs have grown, we have been able to support families through more stages of their journey,” Coffin said. “The Board’s commitment has helped make that growth possible. Making memories matter means continuing to ask what our families need and helping Memory Matters respond.”
Gala proceeds will support those services, including Compass, which provides activities and companionship for people living with dementia while giving caregivers time to rest, work, attend appointments or care for their own health. Need-based fee assistance helps families facing financial barriers participate.
The organization also offers brain health education to help community members learn about caring for their cognitive health throughout life.
“Adding brain health was incredibly important,” Baretta said. “It gave us a way to reach people earlier with education and practical information. Our memories hold so much of our lives—our relationships, our experiences, our stories. Helping people understand brain health belongs at the heart of what we do.”
Memory Matters has also faced challenges in maintaining services, including disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I remember how COVID impacted the programs and how much that connection meant to families,” Gilmore said. “Memory Matters kept going because people still needed us. Sometimes making memories matter means finding a way to stay connected through the hardest times.”
The anniversary gala will recognize the organization’s history while raising funds for its continuing programs.
“The gala turns community generosity into care that lasts well beyond one evening,” Edwards said. “When people attend, sponsor, or give, they help make meaningful days possible for participants and provide support for caregivers. That is the lasting value of this celebration.”
Scanlon said the anniversary also provides an opportunity to increase awareness of the organization’s services.
“We want our community to understand everything the name Memory Matters represents,” Scanlon said. “It means brain health education, meaningful engagement and support for the whole family. When someone has a question or needs help, we want them to remember our name and know they have somewhere to turn.”
The 30th anniversary gala will be held April 22, 2027, at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa.
For tickets, auction and sponsorship opportunities, and event information, visit www.mymemorymatters.org or call 843-842-6688.
