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Hymn singalongs for Alzheimer's

Donation protected
REOPENED June 2019!

Hi again friends! I've just reopened this GoFundMe page. Why, you ask? Because:

1. My original fundraising effort did not cover the costs for recording and producing the 20 Christmas hymns (which, believe me, elders love to sing :)

2. I've had several people tell me that they wanted to donate but didn't get a chance before I closed the fundraiser in August 2018. 

If you already donated in 2018, feel free to disregard this update, and thank you again! But if you missed your chance to donate earlier, now's the time :) My goal is to raise another $1,500 to cover producing the Christmas album.

There are now 90 classic hymns available for free download , and I plan to post the 20 Christmas songs by October 2019.

I've already received dozens of emails from people from the U.S. and around the world (including Australia, South Africa, and more) who have found Spiritual Eldercare and are using the resources to bless elders with dementia. The album of 90 classic sing-along hymns has been downloaded at least 700 times (not counting single song downloads) so far! I couldn't be more thrilled, and I am so very grateful to all of you for your partnership.

If you'd like to donate, just use the purple "Donate Now" button at the top of this page ... and feel free to share with others on your Facebook page or by email to your friends.

Blessings and peace,
Elisa


[ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION OF THIS PROJECT]

Music helps people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias to joyfully connect with long-term memories. For many, classic hymns and spirituals – Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, Were You There, How Great Thou Art, and dozens more – are a strong link to a longtime faith and happy memories of going to church on Sunday morning.

As a nondenominational chaplain for elders with Alzheimer's and dementia, I found to my surprise that no downloadable, classic hymn singalongs arranged for people with dementia currently exist. So I decided to create them myself for the people I serve – and for anyone to download, for free.

The Project
My goal is to create 70-plus professional-quality, studio digital recordings of classic hymns and spirituals arranged as singalongs for people with dementia. Specifically, that means:
·  A slower tempo
·  Fewer verses (for example, two verses instead of the typical four or five)
·  Minimal "frills"
·  A lower key

Each hymn or spiritual will have a simple piano and vocals accompaniment with no fancy embellishments, making them ideal for singalongs. When finished, I'll make the recordings available for FREE o]n my website, SpiritualEldercare.com .

By combining these free downloads with my already created church agendas  (also free on my site), any activity director, chaplain, or even family member can easily provide a nondenominational worship service for elders with dementia – or simply a personalized, singalong playlist for use at home. 

Let me hasten to point out that people of any faith background or no faith background love this music! The songs come from the Christian worship tradition, but elders from other faiths regularly come to my meetings, enjoy the songs, and tell me they’re glad they came.

Use of Funds
The bulk of funds will go for the studio time, musician fees, and music copies. In late May 2018, the musicians and I recorded 15 songs as a trial run, so that has given me a fairly good idea of the overall budget. If funds accumulate, I'll continue with additional sets for a total of 75 songs  (and maybe more, including a Christmas set).

What You Can Do
If you've been touched by Alzheimer's or dementia and/or you love the power of timeless music, please donate any amount to make these recordings a reality. Whether it's $5, $20, $100 ... every bit will go to the project and ministry. (If you prefer, you can send me a check directly; contact me through spiritualeldercare.com/contact.) 

Also, if you feel so led, please email this fundraiser to your friends, post it on your Facebook page, tweet it out, repost my Instagrams, send carrier pigeons, whatever. My deep desire is for people to know that these singalong recordings will soon be available for anyone to use.

FAQ
Read more FAQ (frequently asked questions)  on my website, and feel free contact me .

Thank you!
I have so appreciated the encouragement I've gotten so far. Thank you for reading, for any donation you care to give, and for your love for elders with dementia.

Organizer

Elisa Bosley
Organizer
Boulder, CO

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